Matt & Shannon Heaton #61

Genuine, kind Christmas music from Matt & Shannon Heaton today as we spread Christmas Cheer with the Celtic Christmas Podcast. Subscribe at CelticChristmasPodcast.com.

WELCOME TO THE CELTIC CHRISTMAS PODCAST I am Marc Gunn. I am a Celtic musician and I love Christmas music. In each episode, I introduce you to a Celtic band or musician that is creating great Christmas music. I highlight their music in a Celtic Christmas Playlist on Spotify.

This show and our playlists are funded by people just like you on Patreon. Your generosity funds the creation, promotion, and production of the show.

As a patron, you’ll get a music-only episode and will join the other 51 patrons who are helping spread Christmas Cheer! Sign up for as little as $1 per episode.

Subscribe to our Patreon to spread Christmas Cheer today!

CELTIC CHRISTMAS PLAYLISTS & NEWS The latest playlist is Christmas Drive. My idea was to create some good Celtic Christmas music for when you’re out driving around. Imagine a smile on your face, Christmas joy in your heart, and a relaxing drive to nowhere.

You can find a link to the Celtic Christmas Drive playlist in the shownotes

As well as other Celtic Christmas playlists to follow:

Celtic Christmas Women

Joyful Celtic Christmas Music

Christmas Drinking Songs

Don't forget to check out the Top Irish & Celtic Music playlist as well.

HOLIDAY FEATURE: Matt & Shannon Heaton One of the lovely things about Celtic music is the fact that just a couple of people can make a whole lot of music, and this is certainly true when it comes to Matt & Shannon Heaton. This music duo offers flute/guitar/bouzouki and sweet, sweet harmony vocals in arrangements that are quite lovely.

Deeply involved in the Boston traditional music scene, the pair plays together seamlessly, and the enthusiasm that they have for the music really comes through. There’s a genuineness that is unmistakeable grounding their play. A husband and wife team can certainly telegraph their collective love for the music--and the sheer fun they have playing together. This one does it better than most.

The two are definitely experienced, and surround themselves with music in many different ways. Shannon has her own podcast, Irish Music Stories, and she’s also the co-founder of Boston’s Celtic music fest, which undoubtedly expanded her vision and abilities in the field.

Matt is front man for another band, the "surf-rock" Electric Heaters, and performs with a wide range of bands and musicians when he’s not playing with Shannon. Each an accomplished musician in their own right, the blend of the two is a true celebration of musical talent—dosed with a wholesome affection for the Celtic sound. It’s a pleasure to hear them play.

The couple’s Christmas song collection is filled with a little bit of everything. You’ll find fresh holiday fare as well as traditional favorites like “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” to sing along to. Irish music lovers will appreciate the jigs and reels that are included in the mixture, and there’s certainly enough here to fill a holiday party to the brim with some good cheer.

Don’t miss “Julius the Christmas Cat”—it couldn’t be any sweeter, and is sure to be a favorite for those who love their feline friends. Nothing like a cute little "story song" to get in the holiday spirit! Other notable tracks in this collection include “Christmas in Mt. Horeb” and “Wexford Carol,” but there really isn’t a bad track on the compilation.

There’s 13 tracks offered here, and listeners who love the flute will really be pleased, as it appears often on these tracks. Soft harmonies and easy strumming on the guitar are other hallmarks of what this holiday album is all about. There’s little doubt this will have a place in any rotation of Christmas music where an updated Celtic sound is welcomed.

You can find out more about them at https://mattandshannonheaton.com/

IF YOU ENJOY THIS ARTIST... Follow them on streaming and add one of their songs to your playlist. You can also buy music from them, sign up to their mailing list and share this episode on social media.

The Celtic Christmas Podcast is free to enjoy. However, it is supported by the generosity of Christmas Cheer over on Patreon.

Celtic Christmas Podcast was executively produced by Marc Gunn. Thanks to our Patreon Show Producer Carol Baril.

The show was edited by Mitchell Petersen with Graphics by Miranda Nelson Designs. Subscribe through your favorite podcatcher or on our website where you can become a Christmas Patron for as little as $1 per episode. Promote Celtic culture through Christmas music at CelticChristmasPodcast.com. Nollaig Shona Daoibh!



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