The Maenads The Maenads

The Maenads is a trio that blends the rich sounds of three unique musicians. The combination of Rebecca Blair's Celtic harp, Linda Bull's fiddle and Norah Rendell's voice, whistle and recorder produces a brilliant soulful sound unlike any other. With a repertoire that ranges from traditional Irish melodies to medieval dances to contemporary tunes, the Maenads take their audiences on a fascinating journey of story and song with their new CD.

The Maenads came into being back in 2001 when Norah and Rebecca met at an Irish session. They quickly discovered that they had a unique musical chemistry that became even more entrancing with Linda's arrival. Together the trio sparkled with creative energy and musical possibilities. The Maenads soon began performing at gigs throughout the Lower Mainland and the Gulf Islands.

The Maenads Have released their CD!

The Meanads' debut CD explores the core of their repertoire consisting of ballads that showcase the story-telling approach of traditional music, complemented by lively instrumental tunes where they show their mastery of the dance form in their.

The Maenads CD Cover

Track Listing

  1. Lady of Carlisle - Trad. American
  2. Betsy's Waltz - Verena Cummins
  3. Matt Highland - Traditional Scottish
  4. Bold Princess Royal - Irish Set Dance
  5. Lost Lady Found - Traditional Irish
  6. Alphonse - Cantigas de Santa Maria 13th cent.
  7. King's Shilling - Traditional
  8. Hugh O'Donnell - Turlough O'Carolan
  9. Next Market Day - Traditional
  10. Hawtin's Return - Chris Corrigan
  11. Ay Ondas - Cantigas de Martim Codax 13th cent.
  12. I Courted A Wee Girl - Traditional
  13. Josefin's Waltz - Roger Tallroth

The CD is now for sale for $20. If you would like to purchase a copy, contact Rebecca at rebeccablair@canada.com or 604 874-1733.

Here are some samples of selected tracks from the CD:

  • Betsy's Waltz (MP3, 1:35)
    This lively instrumental is composed by Verena Cummin, an Irish accordionist from County Galway who plays in the duo "Fonnchai". The waltz features Norah Rendell on whistle, Rebecca Blair on harp, and Linda Bull on fiddle.
  • King's Shilling (MP3, 1:40)
    This moving song from 19th century Scotland features the story of a young woman mourning her man as Casualty of war. The title refers to the shilling that a recruiter slipped unnoticed into a young man’s drink to serve as an advance in order to draft them into the army. Norah Rendell sings the melancholy lyrics while Rebecca Blair and Linda Bull provide harp and fiddle accompaniment as well as backup vocals.
Biographies

Rebecca Blair - harp

A co-founder of the Maenads, Rebecca has been studying and performing music for many years. Since graduating from the University of Victoria in musicology, her interest has been focused on Celtic music and improvisation on the harp. She has participated in Celtic harp workshops all over North America and Ireland. She is active in the Vancouver folk music scene giving concerts and workshops as well as playing Irish sessions. Rebecca maintains a busy schedule of teaching music, playing and recording professionally as well as studying Irish dance.

Linda Bull - Violin

Linda moved to Vancouver from Australia in late 2003. While a classically trained violinist and violist, she has an avid interest in traditional music and in particular with Celtic, Scandinavian and Old-Time styles. While sharing and exploring her passion for Irish, Scottish and English folk tunes with the Maenads she also plays chamber music with other local classical musicians and is a member of the Vancouver Philharmonic Orchestra. Her old-time band Plough performed at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival in 2007 and was recently featured on a compilation of local bluegrass and old-time bands called Whiskey Hollow Bound. She has travelled in recent years around the East Coast of the US collecting songs and tunes along the way.

Norah Rendell – voice, recorder, whistle, flute

Originally from Vancouver, Norah is known for her honest and soulful delivery of traditional ballads and love songs. She is also a well-seasoned flute, whistle and recorder player having recently completed an MA in Irish Traditional Music at The Irish World Academy of Music and Dance. Norah is currently touring in Ireland, Scotland, England and North America with The Outside Track as well as performing with guitarist, Brian Miller as a duo. Norah is a founding member of The Maenads, Cleia and The No Shit Shirleys.