MARC GUNN: Soul of a Harper

Marc Gunn

Soul of a Harper

© 2004 Marc Gunn (806747002020)

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An autoharper's spiritual wandering through Celtic songs. Beautiful and fun Celtic folk songs to celebrate Your Scotch-Irish heritage.

notes

ARE YOU SCOTCH-IRISH, TOO?

Bard Marc Gunn's Celtic & Folk music career began in 1997 when quit a punk rock band, borrowed an autoharp from his dad and started teaching himself to write music and play Irish and Scottish folk songs. He formed the Brobdingnagian Bards who were voted the #1 most-popular Folk group in the Best of Austin 2008 Music Awards.

FIND MORE MUSIC BY MARC GUNN AT
http://www.cdbaby.com/group/celticmusicstore/from/celtic/

SORTA LIKE HARP MUSIC WITHOUT THE HARP

After six albums with the Brobdingnagian Bards, Marc Gunn decided to create a solo album based on his most-popular recordings from 2000-2003 that he named "Soul of a Harper"

Warm and quieting with a touch of bardic fun, it features beautiful vocal balladry and a unique style of autoharping make it a favorite among Scotch-Irish descendents. And it was even chosen by Austin radio's Celtic Storm as one of the best Celtic albums of 2003.


SOUL OF A HARPER WILL HELP FILL THE VOID & BRING YOU IN CLOSER TO YOUR CELTIC CULTURE

"I wanted to let you know I love the album. Your voice is wonderful...perfection." --Stacy Dunaway, TX

"I would like to thank you for your wonderful music. I have just signed up to your celtic music mailing list and downloaded the mp3 of Buttercup's Lament & have played it at least 6 times already. This song is so hauntingly beautiful...thank you for bringing your wonderful music into this world for us to share with you."
-- Shana M., Florida

"a delightfully homespun collection of instrumentals and songs about dwarves and elves, rebels and Ireland, and trad a capella such as 'My Love Is Like a Red, Red Rose.'"
--Austin Chronicle

"I love the music that you do. When i feel really down, alls i really need to do is play the music and i feel better. Something about it just makes me so happy inside!"
--Allysa, fan

"Hey Marc- How's everything? I am am writing to you today because I thought you might like to hear this. I was a guest on my friend's radio show last night and he actually played 'The Barrel Song' off your CD.

Not only does it make me feel good that somebody else is playing the world music I bring into the radio station, but it must make you glad to know you're being played at other times then Sundays 12-3 pm.

He commented to me that he liked the song and could actually picture the bricks falling! I recommended all the other tracks off the album and hopefully, with any luck, your album will become a WWPV staple in a few years."
--Edward, DJ on WWPV in Vermont

reviews

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  • As Always Great
    author: Diana Greco

    This is done in typical Marc style. Loved it, I just recently found out about him, and I have got to say I really enjoy listening to him sing.

  • Awesome!
    author: Raevyn

    Another great offering from Marc! I can't pick just one tune! I can picture him sitting and playing, lost in the music!

  • Great CD
    author: Keltickitten from Belgium

    Well, I am not that much of a reviewer. I guess I ran out on words to express what I think of this CD. The only advice I can give is to listen to it and you might understand. You can call it a laugh and a tear.

  • Excellent autoharp recordings
    author: Denzel Struchen

    This CD is an excellent compliation with a great range of music. The recording quality is superb

  • A rollicking good time
    author: Anthony

    This is a fantastic CD. From fast paced dance songs like The Leprechaun, to the humor of The Barrel Song, to the heartbreaking strings of Buttercups Lament. This CD pulls on all of your heartstrings. I still can't get through Buttercups Lament without a tear or two coming to my eyes.

  • Touching
    author: Modern Bard

    These days, there aren't many people out on the circuit who use the autoharp. Indeed it could be said that the instrument is in need of a rebirth so that it doesn't fade from festival use in the next decade. Marc Gunn is that rebirth. In a CD that blends traditional and original works, Marc Gunn harkens back to a simpler time, and perhaps even a better time. Robert Burns' "Killiecrankie" marches along in a fashion that the author would have loved. Many artists might find it difficult to wrap their tongues around the Burns burr, Marc Gunn has no such problem. Of course, this means that listeners have to wrap their brains around the thick burr, but it is well worth the effort. Truly striking is the a cappella rendition of "Parting Glass". A cappella music is difficult to record and keep interesting, even more so when it is but a single voice. There is no such problem here though, this soulful track has a slight undertone of gospel and truly works and manages to stand alone. Stark and clean, this is a track worth purchasing the CD for. "The Barrel Song" (aka "Paddy's Excuse") is always a favorite, but one can not help but wonder if this should have been left as an a cappella song or if Marc Gunn should have added some autoharp. While this song cannot help but be fun, this version doesn't stand out from other versions. So, while an enjoyable track, it doesn't manage to stand out, as opposed to the next track. Another fun traditional tune is "Lanigan's Ball". Upbeat and up-tempo, manages to be both discordant and smooth at the same time. Always a quick song, most renditions leave the listener only able to sing along with the chorus...able to only wonder at the lyrics to the verses. This version is sharp enough that, despite the high tempo, the casual listener will find themselves singing along after the first time through. Of the original numbers on the CD, there is one which stands head and shoulders above the rest, "Buttercup's Lament". Inspired by the film, "The Princess Bride", this song was Marc Gunn's first solo hit on the Celtic Top 40. Slow and sad, one cannot help but be touched by this heart-stirring song.

  • inspiring, heart-felt, autoharp at a very high level
    author: Sharon Allworth

    I bought this album because I am a beginner on the autoharp and wanted to hear some pros. I was blown away with the musicianship on this CD; + Marc's voice is soulful and wonderful. I would recommend this CD to anyone who wants to hear great, honest music with a definite Celtic flavor. Thanks, Marc - you're already one of my favorite musicians. S. Allworth, Laurel, Oregon

  • Excellent! Lovely CD!
    author: barbara kelly

    Wonderful CD, nicely done voice and playing. Heartfelt and wonderful this is highly recommended,

  • Terrific - glad I bought 2 copies!
    author: Kim

    Really enjoyed the music on this CD - 1st time I listened to Marc Gunn - very impressed - my boyfriend loved his copy of it, too!

  • A brilliantly warm and funny album! Highly recommended!
    author: Michelle Osborne

    I first came across Marc Gunn in a Celtic music community I belonged to. Intrigued by his intelligent comments, I wandered over to his website and discovered several mp3s from both him and his duo, The Brobdingnagian Bards (who he has several other CDs available with). I never quite know what to expect from independent artists. I was very pleased to find that Marc’s music (and the Bards as well) is the kind that is easy to fall in love with upon first listening to it. Soul of the Harper, released in 2004, is a compilation of Marc’s solo endeavours from 2000-2003. The music ranges from solo autoharp instrumentals to both traditional songs and tunes. This is, perhaps, the true beauty of this album, and gives you a true picture of what this artist is about. It is not purely traditional, purely composed, purely song, or purely instrumental. It is a combination of all four of these elements, which enables the music to stay fresh with each subsequent track. Highlighting a few of my particular favourites on this album is difficult, as I enjoy each song and tune. “The Parting Glass” is one of the highest points of the album. A traditional Irish song sung with no accompaniment, it is soulfully rendered by Marc’s deep, velvety voice. Also a high point is “The Leprechaun,” one of Marc’s composed songs, which shows his humourous side. Written in 2001, it’s chock full of silly voices that are bound to make you laugh, as well as some light self-mockery, and creates an analogy between the modern idea of a Leprechaun and the unfortunate antiquated thinking of some Celtic musicians. Upbeat with a rollicking autoharp accompaniment, this song is just fun to listen to. On the more serious side of Marc’s own songs is “The Bridge,” a song about the distances so many will go for love. At turns romantic, silly, nostalgic, and fun, this album has something for everyone on it and comes highly recommended. I first came across Marc Gunn in a Celtic music community I belonged to. Intrigued by his intelligent comments, I wandered over to his website and discovered several mp3s from both him and his duo, The Brobdingnagian Bards (who he has several other CDs available with). I never quite know what to expect from independent artists. I was very pleased to find that Marc’s music (and the Bards as well) is the kind that is easy to fall in love with upon first listening to it. Soul of the Harper, released in 2004, is a compilation of Marc’s solo endeavours from 2000-2003. The music ranges from solo autoharp instrumentals to both traditional songs and tunes. This is, perhaps, the true beauty of this album, and gives you a true picture of what this artist is about. It is not purely traditional, purely composed, purely song, or purely instrumental. It is a combination of all four of these elements, which enables the music to stay fresh with each subsequent track. Highlighting a few of my particular favourites on this album is difficult, as I enjoy each song and tune. “The Parting Glass” is one of the highest points of the album. A traditional Irish song sung with no accompaniment, it is soulfully rendered by Marc’s deep, velvety voice. Also a high point is “The Leprechaun,” one of Marc’s composed songs, which shows his humourous side. Written in 2001, it’s chock full of silly voices that are bound to make you laugh, as well as some light self-mockery, and creates an analogy between the modern idea of a Leprechaun and the unfortunate antiquated thinking of some Celtic musicians. Upbeat with a rollicking autoharp accompaniment, this song is just fun to listen to. On the more serious side of Marc’s own songs is “The Bridge,” a song about the distances so many will go for love. At turns romantic, silly, nostalgic, and fun, this album has something for everyone on it and comes highly recommended.

  • Soulful at times, playful at others, this album kicks arse!!
    author: Sheila Hall

    With "The Barrel Song" Marc lends his own flavor to a comical pub favorite. "The Barrel Song" is often done by anyone with a few beers into them, but not always done well. This rendition is one of the best I've ever heard! Another fun song, "The Middle Earth Bragging Song" is a hoot for LOTR and fantasy fans alike! Cleverly written and nicely executed, it's a great piece of wit and insight into the different races of Middle Earth. "Happy Birthday From Ireland" very nicely expresses the feelings that draw Irish music fans to Eire, and "The Leprechaun" deals with how Irish folks look at North American musicians and fans who love their traditional music. "The Bridge" is a wonderful Celtic tune with a strong infusion of American Soul, at points with an almost Gospel sound expression of clear and determined love. Lastly, I must point to another love song that is greatly done on this CD: "My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose." A traditional poem by Robert Burns is wonderfully done acapella by Marc. This rendition will touch anyone who has felt love so deeply that they would be willing to do anything, give or give up anything; to those whose emotions are as intense and clear as the performance of this piece.

  • Beautiful and Inspirational
    author: Emilee

    What a brilliant collection of music. It's relaxing, enjoyable, toe tapping, heartfelt fun! This CD is an amazing example of what beautiful music can be made when someone pours their heart and soul into a project.

  • A great Listen
    author: Kathy King

    Always a pleasure to listen to Marc. The Bridge is a long time favorite. Middle Earth Bragging song brings a smile to your face everytime. My only complaint is it is too short! I want more... and so will you.

  • An awesome CD with something for everyone to enjoy!
    author: Monica Clark

    Soul of a harper is the perfect title for this CD. You can definitely tell that Marc has poured his soul into it. Beautiful ballads (The Bridge, Buttercup's Lament), wonderful celtic songs (Lannigan's Ball, Happy Birthday from Ireland, Killiecrankie), and a few fun little tunes thrown in (Middle Earth Bragging Song, The Leprechaun)...this CD has something for everyone to enjoy. Marc is one of the most talented harpers I've heard, and he showcases his gift wonderfully on the instrumental tracks Lady of Setliff Manor, Titania, and Kyara. I've had nothing else in my CD player since I got this one. Thank you, Marc, for making such beautiful music. This CD was definitely worth the wait.

  • Marc Gunn, the "Modern Minstrel" has done it again!
    author: Edward Burke, a Celtic music fan and College DJ Check out ht

    Thank you to "Modern Minstrel" Marc Gunn for releasing what is perhaps the most humble and heartfelt set of recordings I have ever heard. It's simple, yet complex-just voice and instrument. The interpretations of "Lanigan's Ball" and "The Parting Glass" are perfect for re-discovering your Irish or Celtic roots, as are Gunn's origianl songs "Happy Birthday from Ireland", and "the Leprechaun". Hearing traditional Irish music with just voice and autoharp is very refreshing, like a smooth, cold mug of ale flowing down the back of your throat. Also of honorable mention are the tracks "My love is Like a Red, Red Rose", and "The Parting Glass", which Gunn sings accapella. Not too many artists today are as willing to do that as he is, and that is why I give the album 5 stars for pushing the limits. Finally, Gunn does not leave us without injecting a few vignettes of fantasy itno his music-the Middle Earth Bragging Song is annoyingly catchy, and shows off Gunn's talent for impressions and humor. (One impersonating a tree has got to be funny). Over all, the album is heart-felt and eclectic. Highly reccomended to any fan of music with both tradtional and experimental elements.

  • This Normal Person Loves Your Abnormal Album
    author: Mandy Reynolds

    I absolutly adore The Bridge. But I'm not too crazy about the Bragging song. I don't hate it, but it's not one of my favorites. However, anyone who has ever met me can tell you that my absolute favorite song ever is MY LOVE IS LIKE A RED RED ROSE. (even if they've never even heard the song) The istrumentals are fabulous. A little too short, but fabulous. Killiecrankie is definately one of my top favs. I'm new to being a fan of this type of music because I've always thought I was Normal, and this type of music and people were abnormal, but I promise to anyone: this is definately the album to break my NORMALITY. Thank You Soul Of A Harper. Mandy, SA,TX

  • Brilliant vocals from Marc, best harping I've heard him do.
    author: Jen Clower-Brown

    Soul of a Harper is a great exploration into Marc Gunn's softer side. Soulful vocals combined with some of the best strumming I've had the pleasure of hearing Marc do make this album a must-have for any romantic's collection.

  • Beautifully fun; entertaining for children as well as adults!
    author: Carolyn Jurick-Taylor

    The soul of the artist of Soul of a Harper is evidently poured into his vocals as well as the original instrumentals. With a wonderful combination of songs, the cd is entertaining for children as well as adults; the only Celtic cd my kids ask me to play! As I am swept up by "...Red, Red Rose", the kids keep singing "The Leprechaun" song! A beautifully fun cd!

  • An Awesome Work Of Art
    author: Amanda Scott

    Soul Of A Harper has a little bit of everything. From the serious strains of Love to the playful side of a Day gone wrong. I keep the c.d. in my car and listen while I drive. I find that the songs can lift my spirits and make my day seem a little bit shorter.

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