Hang the Holley: The Irish Rovers

Welcome to Hang the Holly. This is an inside look into the latest episode of the Celtic Christmas Podcast. Today, I'm gonna tell you about The Irish Rovers.    But first... the second 2020 episode of the Celtic Christmas Podcast is now online. It's called The Holly and The Ivy. It features Christmas music from The Irish Rovers, Steel Clover, Matthew Young, Emish, Spencer & Beane, Laura MacKenzie, Cantus Lunaris, The Jig Is Up!, Andrew D. Huber, Rosmerta, Haggis Rampant, A Shamrock in Kudzu, Sarah Marie Mullen, The Selkie Girls, The Gothard Sisters.   If you want to enjoy an hour of Celtic Christmas music, rate the show. Then subscribe to the podcast at CelticChristmasPodcast.com.   Let's get on with the show.   Hailing all the way back to Toronto in the 1960s, The Irish Rovers are a well-regarded Irish band that have had the honor of being named the  “Folk Group of the Year” in Canada, appeared on TV shows in the U.S., and even hosted their own show on the CBC in the 1970s. Known for their Irish folk music—and their longevity—this band has produced more than 45 albums that people have enjoyed throughout the world, many times over.   If you’re searching for a good batch of Irish Christmas tunes, this Canadian band delivers a number of different collections to choose from. Piano for Christmas Time is a wonderful album of instrumental holiday music. The blend of songs is perfect for holiday dinners or tree trimming, or whenever you are looking to add a bit of Irish flavor to the mood of the day. This 10-track collection finishes off with a fun Christmas Eve medley, blending favorites like "Jingle Bells", "Frosty the Snowman", and "Here Comes Santa Claus" together to help get everyone in a festive mood.   Merry Merry Time of Year is another collection of Christmas music that provides 15 lovelies to round out any holiday collection, such as “Christ the King” and “Must Be Santa”. Also available—and a great choice if you're in the mood to kick back and watch a concert--be sure to try out their DVD, “The Irish Rovers Christmas”, which showcases the band (and guests!) at Chatham Ontario's historic Capitol Theatre, playing live. Not only will you hear great music, but the 2+ hours that were recorded also feature some sneak-peeks behind the scenes and other cool extras.   Those searching for a recognizable list of Christmas classics—Irish style—would do well to invest in “The Irish Rovers Songs of Christmas”, which kicks out some tried-and-true favorites. Included on this album are tracks like “Away in a Manger”, “We Three Kings”, and “Silent Night”, among others. And don’t miss the band’s fun take on “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer”, which makes you want to sing right along with them!   There’s something to be said for bands like The Irish Rovers, who have stood the test of time. Groups like this have truly developed a sound that is all their own. Playing together for so many years results in a seamless blending of musicianship, and the band is filled to the brim with Irish energy and enthusiasm. Whether you’re looking to round out a collection of Christmas music or want to share some Celtic-style tunes with friends or family as a gift, these albums make a terrific pick.    To get a taste of this band’s take on holiday music, you can now listen to show #56: The Holly and The Ivy.   The show is free to enjoy, as usual. However, it is supported by the generosity of Celtic music fans like you over on Patreon. You can subscribe at CelticChristmasPodcast.com . Nollaig shona daoibh.