www.colin-harper.comColin Harper is very much a man of music, from writing books, features and reviews, to being both interviewer and interviewee, librarian, campaigner for the causes of the underrated and overlooked, and not forgetting the entrepreneurial drive and flair he demonstrated in getting a number of wildlife charity projects off the ground. His interest in Mellow Candle sparked off his initial connection to Alison O’Donnell and he has since become a valued supporter and friend. Alison hopes to cement their friendly association in the future by recording a song entitled Dated but Still Lovely penned from an idea arising from a quote by Colin (track it down trainspotters). His fascinating and informative book, written with Trevor Hodgett, Irish Folk, Trad & Blues: A Secret History is just one of the reasons to check out his wonderful website. Aside from all that, Colin is an unassuming and fun bloke. www.claddaghrecords.com
Claddagh Records' online store has a large selection of Irish traditional and contemporary music available, ranging from the early traditional recordings of the 1960s to the most recent new releases. www.myspace.com
This is a social networking website based in the U.S., which offers an interactive network of blogs, user profiles, groups, photos, and an internal email system. Users can find old friends, meet new ones as they network, share photos, create blogs and more. It is a massively popular English-language website with over 87 million registered accounts. It has become an increasingly influential part of contemporary teenage culture. www.gigall.co.uk
This is an interactive gig site providing a highly organised and useful service in the U.K. where artists, promoters and venues can register their details: mp3s, pics, contact details etc. www.kengarland.com
Ken Garland is a distinguished Professor of Photography, graphic designer, lecturer and published writer. He is also a supportive friend and lover of traditional singing. His website is an Aladdin's Cave. www.terranovamusic.com
This is Richard Ellin's site comprising of Terra Nova, Osmosys and Droffig Records. Osmosys has issued Mise agus Ise by Alison O'Donnell & Isabel Ní Chuireáin. www.janetrecords.com
Die Stadt Records and Janet Records. This is the site of former Mellow Candle member and childhood friend, Clodagh Simonds. Together with Brian Eno, Cora Venus Lunny, Carter Burwell, Andrew McKenzie and young singers Laura Sheeran and Lydia Sasse under the collective name of Fovea Hex, Clodagh has created a unique and beautifully crafted EP series - Neither Speak Nor Remain Silent, of which Bloom is the first release. www.backstage.co.za/shanty
Shanty is a contemporary folk band from Cape Town. They are a versatile four-piece band who present a variety of theme evenings, concerts and shows. They perform Irish, English and Scottish songs and tune, Australian and American folk-rock and dance, original songs, humour and sea shanties. This group showcases the talents of another of my Mellow Candle cohorts. Members comprise: Rob Anderson - vocals, mandolin, mandola, guitar & bodhran Dave Williams - vocals, fiddle, mandolin, lead guitar John Bolton - vocals, tin whistles, keyboard & bodhran Larry Margolis - vocals, guitar & harmonica. www.folk.be/eishtlinn
The official website of one of Europe's finest DADGAD guitarists, Philip Masure. His site details the many and varied projects he is involved with and includes the band he founded with Alison O'Donnell (Éishtlinn). www.kissingspell.com
Kissing Spell is the U.K.'s premier record company for rare, psychedelic, collectible, esoteric and electric folk-rock from the U.K. and Ireland from the period 1968 - 1978. Kissing Spell is also affiliated to Spiral Records; a label that handles newly signed artists from around the Isles, including Alison's band Éishtlinn. www.3rdearmusic.com
This wonderful site documents the progress of South African township jazz, folk and rock music since the 1960s. 3rd Ear Music is the brainchild of David Marks, musician, writer, sound engineer and archivist, together with his wife Fran, of the Hidden Years Music Project. This is a unique collection of alternative South African music recorded live off desk mixes from township to city festivals, concerts, clubs and independent studios from 1964 to date. For many years David championed local music and gave it a platform when it was ignored by the commercial record industry. Today he is a highly respected figure in the South African music scene. David is responsible for the critical debut of Flibbertigibbet, Alison's traditional and original music group, founded with her former husband Dave Williams and Barrie and Jo Glenn in Johannesburg in 1977. David aims to keep this important archive alive and well, but in order for this to happen the HYMA needs donations and support www.goilin.com
Alison O'Donnell is a member of The Góilín Traditional Singer's Club. An Góilín is the oldest singing club in the country. It meets every Friday and frequently has special guests. There is a cover charge of €3 euros and the session starts at approximately 10pm in Tom Maye's pub at the corner of North Frederick and Dorset Streets. Singers and visitors are welcome. Alison's other favourite singers' club is the Howth Singing Circle, which meets on the first Thursday of every month at the Pier House in Howth. www.mag.irish-music.net
Irish Music Magazine is the foremost publication covering Irish music and musicians in all parts of the globe. Edited by Sean Laffey, it contains all you need to know about what's happening, when, where and how. www.ennistradfestival.com This is the site of one of the best music festivals in Ireland. The Ennis Trad Festival in County Clare happens annually over a very long weekend in early November. It brings together the very best of Irish traditional musicians in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Over 20 venues host selected exponents of the music, carefully mixed and matched to ensure a choice of many great sessions www.niamhparsons.com This is the website of Niamh Parsons, one of my favourite singers. Check it out if you want to know more about her numerous recordings of traditional songs performed to the highest standard. www.mudcat.org
At the The Mudcat Café one can find a treasure trove of traditional songs. This site houses about 9000 songs in the Digital Tradition Folksong Database and is essential for singers, musicians, researchers and fans www.jonimitchell.com
This is the magnificent site of the brilliant Joni Mitchell and is a feast of photographs, interviews and reviews. It catalogues beautifully the vast body of her work: her words, music, videos and paintings.