Album Notes

"With their debut album "UPON A WINTERS EVE", The Black House Ceilidh performs yuletide carols in the traditional style, taking the listener to a time long past when the music was only heard live. Their music can be described as organic, melodic, and traditional. Caleb Gilbert on vocals and highland bagpipes; Judy Plester on violin, norwegian hardinger, and
hurdy gurdy; Kevin Tyler on guitar and vocals; Michael Manderen on lute and viol de gamba; and Ernesto Villarreal on vihuela."

Review by Carol Swanson of ChristmasReviews.com (2006)

"Upon a Winter's Eve is the debut release of The Black House Ceilidh, a Detroit area group that presents 19 tracks of traditional holiday music in an early music/Celtic style. The feel is rustic and raw; you get the distinct impression that this is a minstrel show in your living room. The artists themselves describe the sound as simple and organic, and that description hits the mark. The Black House Ceilidh combines an eclectic array of instrumentals and vocals, and the straightforward presentation is executed with great heart and unfettered simplicity. Listening to Upon a Winter's Eve: A Collection of Winter and Yuletide Carols of Yesteryear is like stepping back in time to a very different world, one of less sophisticated pleasures and perhaps harsher realities.

The Black House Ceilidh album package is first rate. The cover graphics and layout certainly convey the ancient theme in an impressive and tasteful fashion. Sadly, my aging eyes have some difficulty coping with the liner notes' stylized font, but younger folks (99% of the population) would likely have no issue.

My favorite track is probably the spirited Riu Riu Chiu with its sweet layers of strings. The cool highland bagpipes drone on several pieces, casting a richly woven melancholy over the room. As for vocals, I favor the a cappella Balulalow.

Get ready to ride back into history with The Black House Ceilidh. If you travel Upon a Winter's Eve, you will encounter at least five capable musicians along the way!"

For questions and booking write to:
blackhouse@firenightrecords.com

News and updates can be found at:
www.myspace.com/theblackhouseceilidh
www.firenightrecords.com