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Press Reviews "Splendidly Eclectic" Celtic Radio Music Award! "5 Stars" "Fantastic" [+ Show] Dirty Linen Magazine - Celtic Radio MacTalla Mor is a hard driving, powerful Celtic Rock and Bagpipe band whose sound will certainly have you falling in love with this wonderful mix of musicians. Their latest CD - The New Colossus contains a great mix of tracks, both Celtic rock, Celtic reggae (must hear!) and a few beautiful vocal mixes. Definitely 5 stars awarded to this "breaking new ground" album! Celtic Radio http://www.celticradio.net/php/news.php?item=557 The family sextet MacTalla Mor has a blast of double Highland bagpipes. The New Colossus is splendidly eclectic with mellifluous traditional songs in Gaelic. Tom Nelligan Dirty Linen Magazine "What a gem! Mac-T is, hands-down, the most musical fun I've had in recent memory. This unpretentious ensemble manages to melt the walls between genres with an absolutely unique lyrical and dynamic music. Their performance style is such that listeners of all ages and tastes find themselves personally engaged in the Mac-T 'experience'. One comes away quite happy and energized...almost surprised at the amount of fun they just had. Most highly recomended." -John Baken, IMRW Magazine "Fun Astonishing Terrific" Truly Something Different [+ Show] Catherine L. Tully-Celtic MP3s Music Magazine "The New Colossus" MacTalla Mor Get ready to get knocked out with this CD--right from the very first track! The unstoppable energy of this band is back, and better than ever on their latest effort, "The New Colossus." MacTalla Mor is able to do their "fusion" style without it being overly obvious--it seems so natural to hear the wonderful and interesting sounds they call forth in each track. You can hear the tugging of all kinds of musical styles here; Calypso, Jazz, Rock and more, all blended with traditional Celtic rhythms and instruments. With rich, emotion-filled vocals rounding out the mixture, this CD is a mixture of sounds that shows the range of the band while still being true to their overall style and cornucopia of sound. MacTalla has champion pipers, an award-winning Gaelic singer and top-notch musicians to call on--and they don't rest on their previous accomplishments, but rather seek to grow, expand their sound and better themselves each time they come together for a CD. The New Colossus is such an effort, and the band remains one of my absolute favorites. Besides the first track here, bagpipe fans shouldn't miss track 7, New Wave or track 10, a bagpipe duet. That said, the best way to listen to the CD is to pop it in and go start to finish--you'll be taken on the grand tour--through a variety of musical sounds that is a treat--sometimes fun, sometimes astonishing and always terrific. The last track on the album will leave even the most discriminating listener satisfied, and those who love the pipes will be smiling ear to ear. Buy the Album: "The New Colossus" Fantastic CD! This is really a fantastic engaging CD fusing a number of music styles with Celtic music like I've never heard it done before. Great job! Marc Gunn's Irish & Celtic Music Podcast's "Top the Celtic Charts " feature at iTunes. "Piping Hot" by MacTalla Mo'r by Catherine L. Tully Artist: MacTalla Mo'r Album: "Piping Hot" Year produced: 2005 This CD is truly something different! You can't pin the music down to simple Celtic, but that is part of the beauty of it, there is really a fusion of styles here, and it flows. You'll hear a big band, almost stage musical style in some songs, while others echo jazz, blues or rock, but always with that Celtic flavor. A variety of spices for the stew! You'll hear both Scottish and Irish influence as well, and sometimes the songs are even fairly traditional in sound. If you like the bagpipes, this CD is a MUST, as they are used frequently, and quite well in the musical arrangements. Much of the music can really be described as quite danceable, and not necessarily in the traditional sense, but more mainstream. For those who like Celtic music but are looking for something to challenge their ear, this CD is the perfect choice. People who like jazz will most likely enjoy this CD, as the rhythms are more complex than is typical in most Celtic music. The fusion of many different styles give Piping Hot a flavor all its own, and one that can be appreciated by a variety of listeners. Buy the Album: "Piping Hot" CD Piping Hot Mehercule, what an album I have chanced upon! The title 'Piping Hot' is only a very meek intimation of what awaits you. When the first notes of 'Itchy fingers' blasted out of the speakers, they jerked my out of my easy-chair, hurled me towards the ceiling and had me bouncing off the walls. This is really Bach meeting the bagpipes: the music grabs and hurls you thru spaces you never dreamed existed. The mastery of the pipes shown here is simply breathtaking. But there is more to it, beautiful vocals by Ilana and Patty bring you celtic spirits with their original songs, and there is even a new take on a trad like 'The Leaving of Liverpool'. In short - a must-have. Go buy it! CD BABY Reviewer CD Jacob's Ladder Dear Macalla Mor, Catching your act at the Scottish Games in upstate NY last summer was one of the highlights of my whole year. When I heard "Jacob's Ladder" I had to have the CD. Since then I must have listened to it a hundred times (I love all the tunes, but the title track is a masterpiece). I saw you at the Town Crier twice, most recently your Christmas show, with my daugther, another big fan of yours. I look forward to attending more of your concerts in 2007. Happy New Year!. BH I am writing today to request a copy of "Jacob's Ladder" for air-play on my show. I sampled some tunes from CDBaby.com and they're awesome! Great version of "Auld Lang Syne" never have I heard that song rock out! Edward Burke WWPV FM Radio Vermont CD No Man's Land Mactalla Mor, http://www.mactalla.com Blended traditional and nouvelle Celtic: Lively and lovely. You're not going to be able to sit still while listening to this terrific band. The song "No Man's Land" has such energy and gives you such a chill that you almost expect to hear applause at the end of the song, even tough this isn't a live album. "Hard Driving Powerful Celtic Roots Band" [+ Show] Boston Globe Ale Street News Vol. 15 –No. 1, Feb. 3rd, 2006 In the band MacTalla Mor, I have found music to laud. I saw this self-proclaimed Celtic fusion band perform live at two festivals this past summer (Pipes in the Valley, which I spoke of last issue, was one). Now having heard their release Piping Hot, it comes down to this: You need to hear this stuff! Elements of rock, funk, traditional, as well as modern Celtic, jazz, salsa, and soca music run thick throughout, but with an energetic, almost anxious fluidity. In fact, stop reading this right now and go check out www.mactalla.com! Within Piping Hot you get nearly 60 minutes of intensity. There are grooves and jams, history lessons, slick mashups, and inner soul searching’s. From the first few seconds of the first track “Itchy Fingers Set,” (some music inspired here by the late Pipe Major Tommy Shearer), the listener is drawn to attention. From start to finish, this CD is like a winding coastal road with spectacular views. Each time you round another corner or cove there’s a new and exiting view to encounter. The track “Nina” is a reminder of how life was for Irish immigrants in America back in the day. “Boomshakalaka” hits points of swing/big band aw well as Jefferson Airplane/Janis Joplin. In the song, “A World Turner Upside Down” is the plight of what could be considered a group of cooperative farmers in 1649. When the track “House Destroyers” jumps in, it almost seems like an exclamation point for justice in regard to the previous track, compelling and powerful. “Ordo Virtutum” by Hildegaard von Bingen starts off the track “MacFaden’s Virtues.” This is a combination of music that strikes like a Sarah McLachlan song –full of mystery. The following number, “ I Am,” is festive and fun, seeming to celebrate life amid the outrageousness of the world. From the angle of piping, my favorite track is “The Man From Skye Set,” with the first two parts played by the famous pip major Donald MacLeod. Interesting to not that MacLeod was the instructor of pipe Major George Bell, who in turn instructed the pipers here, Jesse and Levon Ofgang. Finishing off this disc is a Mark Saul track, “Hellbound Train,” which comes across like an anthem. I’ve left some songs out for no other reason than space, and also that I want to get to the particulars of this group. MacTalla Mor has been together as a band for three years, but in actuality longer than that as they have lived together under the same rood for years. Jesse Ofgang and younger brother Levon Ofgang –great highland bagpipes; Ilana Ofgang –keyboard, piano, lead vocals; Patty Devlin Ofgang –Bodhran, Backing Vocals; Harry Ofgang –bagpipes manager, father, husband and webmaster (Harry was also a home brewer for some time). Erik Ofgang is responsible for the involved lyrics on the songs “Nina and “I Am,” as well as input on other songs. Erik is also a magician who can be seen treating the crowd to random tricks as well as sometimes providing a full opening act. On Piping Hot, the band has brought in the talents of Peter Orlanski –bass; Nadav Snir Zelniker –drums; and Patty Wrobel –backing vocals. Other musicians have been incorporated into the band, and during any given performance, you never know who might grace the sound. Whatever combination they might arrange –whether it’s just vocals, Bodhran, and pipes, or the full spectrum of instruments –it’s obvious, these folks know what they’re doing. As the saying goes, “The pipes are calling. Resistance is futile.” Tunes by DJ StockBiZZy (stockbizzy@aol.com) "No Musical Limit for this Family-Energetic, Passionate, Creative and Powerful-MacTalla Mor Magic." [+ Show] Luxury Experieince Magazine MacTalla Mor - Piping Hot and Jacob's Ladder Written by Edward F. Nesta The Celtic-rock-funk-island-fusion band MacTalla Mór knows how to deliver a sound that will get you moving. MacTalla Mór - Piping Hot and Jacob's Ladder Piping Hot: Itchy Fingers Set; NINA (No Irish Need Apply); Claveness; Boomshakalaka; A World Turned Upside Down; House Destroyers; MacFadder's Virtues; I Am; The Devlin Within; The Leaving of Liverpool; Dee Dee Diddley Bop; Mason's Apron; Man From Skye; Hellbound Train Jacob's Ladder: Gabam Molte Bridge; Dancing Feet Set; Foggy Dew; Jacob's Ladder; Boys of Blue Hill Set; Keg of Brandy; Pipe Solo; Stairway to Grace; Fear an Bhata; Mouth Music Set; Auld Lang Syne; Ceol-Tech Personnel: Jesse Ofgang: Great Highland bagpipes, low and tin whistles, backing vocals, percussion; Ilana Ofgang: keyboard, piano, organ, lead and backing vocals; Levon Ofgang: Great Highland bagpipes, backing vocals; Patty Devlin Ofgang: bodhran, backing vocals, Peter Orlanski: electric and upright bass, backing vocals; Nadav Snir Zelniker: drums, darabuka, backing vocals; Patty Wrobel: backing vocals; Anna Demasi: backing vocals; Cathy Hagan: backing vocals; Harry Ofgang: backing vocals MacTalla Mór produced Piping Hot and Jacob's Ladder. When you hear the saying, "keep it in the family," you should think of the Celtic-rock-funk-island-fusion genre band - MacTalla Mór. Yes, they carry the main genre of Celtic music, but that only scratches the surface of this multi-talented band. The Celtic drive comes from Jesse and Levon Ofgang on the Great Highland bagpipes, along with their mother Patty Devlin Ofgang playing the bodhran, an ancient Irish drum; mix in sister Ilana on keyboards and lead vocal, and brother Erik, songwriter, and the MacTalla Mór magic and musical fusion takes off. The MacTalla Mór pipers (Jesse and Levon) have won numerous awards at the Eastern United States Pipe Band (EUSPBA) sanctioned piping competitions, while Jesse is a multi-award winning and highly sought after bagpiper. To Jesse's credits are the coveted "MacCrimmon Quaich" from the Piobaireachd competition of Central New York, along with First Place medals in Piobaireachd competitions held in New York, Connecticut, and North Carolina. The only thing that holds the individuals back from more awards is that they are in demand to perform as a group, and once you hear them, you will understand the MacTalla Mór magic. The selection of songs for Piping Hot was very interesting, not just musically, but emotionally and spiritually; for MacTalla Mór is much more mature and focused than their young ages may lead you to believe. Ilana's haunting vocals on NINA (No Irish Need Apply) draws you to the plight of the Irish immigrants, and makes you feel for all immigrants who gave up everything to start a new life in the land of opportunity. Piping Hot's first track is a traditional Scottish song entitled Itchy Fingers, and throughout the track you can hear the distinct sound and rhythm of a calypso beat, while the track is energized from the hot bagpipe playing, and you feel that Jesse and Levon are satisfying their itchy fingers as they dance along the chanter. The track Claveness has the ringing percussion and keyboards of island music, and is gets its drive and energy from the piping and a great drum solo. Boomshakalaka brings together swing, bop and rock-n-roll while infusing piping that makes you wonder how they control the melody and starting and stopping of their notes, which is difficult with a bagpipe. A World Turned Upside Down features Ilana on vocals and her Celtic heritage can be heard throughout, she feels this song from beginning to end. Jacob's Ladder leads off with three traditional Irish and Scottish songs Gabam Molte Bridge, Dancing Feet Set, and Foggy Dew, and with each track you are carried by Ilana's voice as she shows that she is acutely aware of the proper timing and pace for traditional Irish music. The title track Jacob's Ladder is an original composition, written with a pop beat, but retains the traditional Celtic music melody. Boys of Blue Hill Set is another traditional Irish song, but with the MacTalla Mór arrangement magic tossed in, it becomes a progressive rock-n-roll sound. The mix of original tracks along with the groups very creative and insightful arranging of traditional songs (Fear an Bhata, and Auld Lang Syne), along with the blending of classic rock-n-roll segments from Stairway to Heaven and Sky Pilot on the track Stairway to Grace, as well as segments from classics such as Amazing Grace, and Johnny Comes Marching Home, leaves you feeling that there is no musical limit or boundary for this family. Let the MacTalla Mór magic become part of your music collection, and you will always have a selection to play when you need to infuse some energy and creativity into a party. A few websites where you can procure MacTalla Mór - Piping Hot are MacTalla Mór, and CD Baby, and downloads are available at Sound Click. Note - Music Scene is not sponsored by any third party. All music that is written about in Music Scene are the views and experiences of the writer, and reflects a compilation of music, sent to us by musicians, producers, acquired during travel to unique destinations, recommended by our country host or a local resident, just happening upon a music event, searching out a Jazz club, or other live music venue. © December 2006. Luxury Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com. All rights reserved. MacTalla Mor - The New Colossus Written by Edward F. Nesta MacTalla Mór's latest release The New Colossus is their tightest and most creative release to date, and they continue to fashion an unmistakable blend of Celtic rhythms layered on jazz, rap, pop, rock, and calypso. MacTalla Mór - The New Colossus The New Colossus: Chi Mi Na Mórbheanna (The Mist Covered Mountains), Itchy Fingers Set, No Maker's Mark Part I, Oró Sé Do Bheatha Bhaile (God Speed Home), The New Colossus, U.S. reggAe, New Wave, The Atholl Highlanders, Airdi Cuain (The Heights of Cushendun), Bagpipe Duet, Green Groves of Erin / No Woman No Cry, Time Out, No Maker's Mark Part II, Hellbound Train Personnel: Clan Ofgang is - Ilana: Lead Vocals, Piano, Organ, Bass Pedals, Percussion; Patty Devlin: Bodhran, Vocals, Percussion; Jesse Moses: Great Highland Bagpipes, Whistles, Drums, Percussion, Guitar, Vocals; Levon: Great Highlands Bagpipes, Tin Whistle, Percussion, Vocals; MageErik ‘MC': Vocals; Harry ‘Dr. O': Vocals The New Colossus is an indie release under the MacTalla Mór label. This is the band's fifth release and I had previously reviewed two of their releases Piping Hot and Jacob's Ladder in the Music Scene section. I referred to their sound as ‘MacTalla Mór Magic,' and with The New Colossus, they have conjured up some new magic. I have experienced the band live numerous times, as well as spoken with the members, and I can say that this is a band, a family, that shares a bond through their music. Energetic, passionate, creative, professional, and emotional are the adjectives that define this group, and their ability to balance and blend these elements is what makes their sound ‘piping hot'. Each release has been different as they continue to evolve and stretch their creative focus. Though they bring back a few tracks from earlier releases such as Hellbound Train and Itchy Finger Set, they have updated and tightened the arrangements. The New Colossus contains fourteen tracks, with many rooted in the band's Irish heritage, in fact they drop in some Gaelic lyrics and titles. Having recently traveled through Ireland, I know that Gaelic is still readily spoken though more in the rural hinterlands than in the larger cities, so for the group to learn and embrace their Gaelic language heritage, speaks to the emotion and passion of this band, while making for an undeniable sound. Track one Chi Mi Na Mórbheanna (The Mist Covered Mountains) opens the release, and with Ilana's echoing vocals singing in Gaelic along with the English translation, the tempo is set as they build on their roots while tossing in a mix of genres on the following tracks. They conclude the release with a crescendo with the track Hellbound Train written by bagpipe techno guru Mark Saul, and arranged and performed superbly with all the elements of MacTalla Mór coming together especially dual bagpipes. In between, the tracks spring tastefully constructed surprises on you with jazz, calypso, pop, rap, rock, and folk segments. Track three No Maker's Mark, written by Harry, Jesse, Ilana and Levon, is a track that may well become the signature song for MacTalla Mór; this is a powerful and outstandingly structured track. The lyrics ring of issues that we have been dealing with for centuries, such as "Peace it is elusive while war it is the norm, a soldier's blood is bitter but cannot calm the storm." The title track The New Colossus has a folk, pop tone as Ilana changes gears from her Gaelic vocals and shows her range belting out, "Night is fallen all around, light is fading from the ground, but still I hear the sound calling out across the sea, crying out with silent lips," showing that no matter how far they travel personally and musically, there will always be a tie to their Irish roots. MacTalla Mór's arrangements, both original and the cover tracks, delve into various genres while retaining a Celtic rhythm and beat, but always with a MacTalla Mór twist, that creates an energizing sound. Websites where you can procure MacTalla Mór - The New Colossus are MacTalla Mór, CD Baby, Celtic Radio, Amazon, and Buy.com; downloads available at PayPlay.FM, iSound, and Tradebit. © October 2007. Luxury Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com. All rights reserved. MtM Stands Alone - Wild Ride to New Worlds - Catches you in their spell. [+ Show] Celtic Beat Magazine “The family band MacTalla Mor stands alone as the supreme example of AmeriCelt”. - Celtic Beat Magazine Mac Talla Mor: A Triple Header: "The New Colossus" "Jacob's Ladder" "No Man's Land" Mac Talla Mor is hard to fit into any category. As they evolve, as all artists must(that Darwinist imperative) they both have their feet in tradition(in this case Gaelic: Scots Highland and Irish), and burst the boundaries of cultural restriction into a multiculturalism they sometimes seem to have a hard time getting a handle on all the time.. A band with a message or messages, they are not easy to file away in some archive. By equal turns in their repertoire both impassioned and pained, funny and quirky, this versatile band never stops being exciting. So it is probably best that in this issue, along with their interview, that we review their last three CDs with an eye to their evolution. Throughout these CDs and in their performances what holds it all together is the often wonderful singing of Ilana Ofgang and the piping of her brothers,Levon and Jesse Moses. As mentioned in the interview their's is the AmeriCelt sound, while having roots in the old country's traditions, nonetheless will tie in with Afro Cuban, Reggae, and even hark back to sounds and tunes reminiscent of some of the history of these other genres, such as the golden age of the Copacabana. New York would be the only place that a band like Mac Talla Mor could come out of. The interface and fusion of Gaelic and Latino is expressed superbly and lightheartedly in "The Devil In The Kitchen" set on Jacob's Ladder. The combination of musical ethnicities, and the strength of the piping comes out all over the place in these CDs, in "Good Drying" and in the "Itchy Fingers Set." Instrumentally these are the great strengths of these albums. As Ilana Ofgang's singing is the vocal strength throughout. Her background and education in the Gaelic language of Ireland and Scotland is obvious and her singing ascends into a new universe in "Gabarn Molte Brigde" a personal favorite of mine in Jacob's Ladder. Here she holds her own and surpasses the merely skilled. "Ta Me Mo Shui" in No Man's Land is another wonderful example. As for non Gaelic song she does Robbie O'Connell honor in "Last of the Gleemen." I will point to "Chi Me Na Morbheanna"(The Mist Covered Mountains) in The New Colossus as a lead in to one of Mac Talla Mor's underlying themes: the immigrant experience. This rendition of a Gaelic classic by Ilana is powerfully expressive of the experience of The Clearances, and just the right kind of opener for this CD, whose title cut is based on Emma Lazarus' poem. "U.S. reggae,"another favorite, gives a different take on the experience of America, and there is a lot in the universe of this CD, which goes back to Celtic tradition, then takes off down another roads. Much of the content and the fusion in these three albums no doubt is disturbing to either those who want the tradition in a hothouse existence, as a special province of one band of cultural narcissists,or those who know nothing of the tradition except for a couple of tunes for window dressing and who fear content and use chaos to appeal to the unsober, or those who having discovered, via the movies, a tradition which their particular religious ideology tried so hard to distort and repress, now are having trouble getting the genie back inside the bottle,like they ever could. All of the former,those who have not a clue, and those who don't want a clue, have a problem with the truth that Mac Talla Mor is symbolic of, that America still is "The New Colossus," and it's growing pains,which Mac Talla Mor emulates, only make it more diverse and powerful. "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." Which brings up another theme in Mac Talla Mor's work: 9/11. In The New Colossus is the song, in two parts "No Maker's Mark." which is an appeal for diety. But with a diverse America(and why I view those who claim America for one denomination or religion as essentially traitors) it is our own conscience and selves that are the ultimate cathedral or temple, limited only by the dictates of right reason. And it was this freedom of conscience and the religion, one different from the other in each of us,that was so horribly assaulted on September 11, 2001. By criminal maniacs who regard such sacred liberty(which has been fought for and so often threatened in this country) as sinful. Unfortunately there are too many within this country(the aforementioned party of treason) who are at root sympathetic with these enemies of this nation, and I'm not talking about "liberals" here(though they're not exactly helpful in this situation either). Into this current sad scenario Mac Talla Mor points out who the heroes were that day, and for all time, in "Jacob's Ladder" with Ilana's singing of those who had to respond-against impossible odds-and well earned their mead, as another Celtic lament and tribute to true heroes put it long long ago. "Gododdin Will Sing Thee Forever!" On this note I will finish. Suffice to say that Mac Talla Mor in their universe leads you on one wild ride. Like in their "Hellbound Train" which both brings up to my mind a passage about a train headed for a judgement, from one of my holy books,whose creator's office in the Empire State Building I immediately thought had also been targeted on 9/11 and John Frankenheimer's classic film The Train, a tale of a lone patriot in pursuit of justice against another band of criminal maniacs. You'll never know where you'll go with Mac Talla Mor. AK Celtic Beat Magazine Mac Talla Mor: "Piping Hot" 2005 Here again is Mac Talla Mo'r-glorious method in madness. In the last review I called them eminently rational. They are an illustration of the maxim"If we guide by the light of reason we must let our minds be bold." Mac Talla Mo'r's music, where Tich Richardson and Turlough O'Carolan run head on into Xavier Cugat and Dave Brubeck is certainly an illustration of this. Wild and it all makes sense. Right from the start with "Itchy Fingers" Mac Talla Mo'r catches you up in their spell. And there is the fast paced angry "NINA" about an era where Irish(and Native Americans or anyone who was "unchurched" by the forces of cultural mediocrity) could fight for this country but not participate in it's freedoms. I particularly like "Claveness" which is a clear and excellent melding of MTM's pipe rock with Afro-Cuban jazz. Another tour de force where MTM piper brothers Levon and Jesse Ofgang go all out, with sister Ilana's piano and Nadav drums giving it grounding, is "House Destroyers." "The Devlin Within"(a play on Mac Talla Mo'r's mater familias' maiden name) is an ode to domestic chaos with another funny twist on Cuban Irish Scots American legacies. Another wild mix of 20th century musical idioms is "Dee Dee Diddly Bop." For a fine change of pace here is the soft "Leaving of Liverpool." where Ilana proves herself another kind of poet. For strict trad the piper brothers acquit themselves well indeed with "Mason's Apron." Two favorites of mine are at the end. The "Man From Skye" which right up front good "hard" music in any genre. Of course I am prejudiced-some of my folks are from Skye. And the last cut "Hellbound Train" which finishes this CD pulls out all the stops for one wild ride. Mac Talla Mo'r with their melding of musics are right on the money, both in their delivery and vision. They will lead you into new worlds while keeping their focus. AK Celtic Beat Magazine Mac Talla Mor, Pipe Dreams Pipe Dreams, a CD recorded live by an Incredible band called MacTalla Mor is one Hot Musical Ticket Indeed! In the world of Celtic Fusion, MacTalla Reigns Supreme. Their instrumentals grab you, move you and won't let you go as witnessed in the exotic and rhythmic opening tune, "Claviness" with it Afro-Cuban influence backed by some fierce piping. The Afro-Cuban influence is also heard in "Yo Mi Boy," an instrumental that also seems reminiscent of the style of Moving Hearts where the saxophone interplays with pipes (in this case, Scottish pipes) backed by intense percussion-wild, innovation stuff. And in gets even wilder in tunes such as "Devil in the Kitchen," a 'can't sit through it without moving' tune which obviously drove the live audience on the CD wild…and, the "Tener Pop Set" was just that with it's rocking edge showcasing Jesse Ofgang agile piping abilites as he moves about this set, musically, at hurricane force. His superb piping also shines in the sizzling instrumental "Man from Sky" and most expressively in the haunting "Track Helbound Train". This is definitely one band to watch for in the future. Celtic Beat-JG "Driving Grooves Pack the Dance Floor" [+ Show] Hartford Advocate "Celtic music for the masses"...On Sunday, Celtic rockers Mac-Talla Mo'r played the Connecticut Irish Festival. With a motto like "the pipes are calling -- resistance is futile," you know they have to be good. And while they classify themselves as a Celtic roots band, their driving grooves seem to have a way of packing the dance floor with people who don't know (or care) what a jig is. Bagpipes, drums, keyboards, bodhran -- these guys have it all. There's even a magician who entertains the crowd while they play. They bring a party vibe wherever they go, so even if Celtic music isn't your bag, give them a listen -- you might be surprised....Dan Barry -Hartford Advocate Dan Barry Local Motion The Hartford Advocate www.hartfordadvocate.com Most memorable moments in Celtic music. [+ Show] Irish American News One of the most enjoyable bands, two of the hottest young pipers, some of the most memorable moments in Celtic music. - Irish American News "Nice! You've got a good thing going..." -Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones after Keith and family attending a MacTalla Mor Band performance. Great Show! I thoroughly enjoyed the Great Show! I've listened to Celtic music most of my life but never heard your Celtic-Calypso sound - WOW! The bagpipes were smoking! Ilana has INCREDIBLE talent. Best wishes for continued success. CT Senator Michael A. McLachlan The performance of MacTalla Mo'r at the 2005 Governor's Conference on Culture and Tourism was wonderful. Thank you so very much for helping to make the event a special memory for all. With best wishes, Jenifer Aniskovich Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism Principal Endorsement Meadow Hill Global Explorations Magnet School 124 Meadow Hill Road Newburgh, NY 12550 Office of the Principal To Prospective Schools: Last spring, students at Meadow Hill Elementary School were exposed to the lively music of the Celtic band, “MacTalla.” As demonstrated both in its energy and its message, MacTalla has an appropriate role in schools. I heartily recommend this music group’s performance for children! In its energy, MacTalla creates in students of all ages an enthusiasm for music. Its performers use both instrumentals and vocals to showcase their talents and teach. During the assembly, which was very interactive with the audience, children sang along and danced with the band. While MacTalla sang and played for our intermediate students (Grades 3-6), primary aged students stopped in our hallways outside the performing area and clamored to be included! MacTalla is a group whose music can be enjoyed and appreciated by students of all ages. In its message, MacTalla is much more than simply another ethnic band. While students certainly learn much about Celtic music and culture through experiencing the band, they also learn character education. Many of the themes of the band are universal, such as the need to appreciate diversity, get along with one another, and love our fellow citizens of the world. In these days of stringent budgets and academic demands, schools certainly must choose assemblies carefully. If the reaction of students and teachers at Meadow Hill is a measure, this is a school program not to be missed! I heartily endorse MacTalla as a school performance. Respectfully, Barbara Weiss, Principal You guys are taking off like a rocket! AM Celeb Celts Patty and MacTalla, Thanks again for a great night! We have received Rave Reviews about your band's performance and I will be in touch soon regarding a return engagement. TT Park and Recreation Dept. Fantastic! Taking America By Storm Las Vegas to NY! [+ Show] ABC NBC CBS TV Clearwater Festival Hello Mac Talla Mor Band, I want to thank you for giving an exciting and wonderful performance at our Clearwater Festival. Your special un-plugged performance under the dance tent was perfect. Mac Talla More Band was the break out out hit of the festival. Please play again next year. Thank you again. RA Director Clearwater Festival. "Had a fantastic time at Hunter Mt.International Celtic Festival You were fantastic! I want MacTalla Mor as our Main Band"...!SD Entertainment Chairmen Htn Mtn Intl Celtic Festival Dear Harry, Patty and your lovely family, Thank you SO much for coming to play for us at Whisky Live New York. We loved having you all and thought your music was fantastic! You really got the crowd going and it was a pleasure to have you there. You are quite something in fact I've never met such a talented and lovely family. We very much hope you will work with us again this year and we will be in touch about further events. Thanks so much to you all, Best Rebecca Rebecca Laurance Events Manager Paragraph Publishing, Whiskey Live & Beer's of the World Magazine St.Faiths House, Mountergate, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1PY The Celtic roots band MacTalla Mór plays a unique blend of traditional bagpipe music with rock, calypso, blues and jazz influences. The band has been making its way around the United States, garnering praise from Las Vegas to Long Island. The combined use of ancient instruments and singing alongside contemporary beats and styles, provide audiences of all ages with a widely eclectic and increasingly exciting new sound experience. Southhampton Press MacTalla Mo'r is taking America by storm! The MacT family will be headlining at the famed Towne Crier. The Celtic Fusion Band MacTalla Mo'r featuring musicians Jesse, Ilana, Levon and Patty Devlin Ofgang and Magician"MageErik" Ofgang will be performing at the Towne Crier in Pawling, NY to Celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday. Most highly recommended! Citizen News MacTalla is Featured On ABC, NBC, CBS TV, Radio & News around the world. I am writting to you because I have listened to your songs and I must tell you that I love your music! Just wonderful! We have listeners from all over the globe but mostly UK and North American. Great Talent. DJ_B HNMS Radio Press Release: Celtic Fusion Band to play Towne Crier Ryan Foust-NewsTimes Dec 23rd Celtic fusion band MacTalla Mor will perform at the Town Crier Cafe’s annual holiday celebration tonight. The band, whose name translates to “Great Echo,” features Jesse MO’ Ofgang, known for his work with metro N.Y.’s famed Kenmure Pipeband, on bagpipes. Ofgang’s sister, Ilana Regina Ofgang, covers piano and vocals in the band while his brother Levon plays bagpipes.Their mother, Patty Devlin Ofgang, plays the bodhran, a traditional Celtic drum. Combining traditional Gaelic singing Puirt a’ Beul (Mouth Music) and Celtic roots rock and fusion, MacTalla Mor has been featured at major Celtic festivals, universities, concerts and popular music clubs throughout America. The group has also performed alongside Mitch Ryder, Commander Cody, the Tito Puente Big Band, Jon Faddis and Arturo Sandoval. Along with traditional Irish and Scottish tunes, the band —comprised of Great Highland bagpipes, piano, vocals and bodhran — also manages to mix in a bit of roots rock, calypso, blues and jazz, earning praise from the likes of Celtic Beat magazine and earning command performances for Jose Feliciano, the Average White Band and the Rolling Stone’s Keith Richards. MacTalla Mor and special guest magician “Magerik” will perform their Celtic Christmas Spectacular at the Towne Crier Cafe in Pawling, N.Y., tonight at 9. "The Pipes Are Calling" Family goes all out for St. Patrick's Day. By Melinda McGarty Webb News-Times Correspondent Patricia Devlin and her children ring in St. Patrick's Day alittle early with a..great performance at Molly Darcy's in Danbury, CT. Patty and her daughter, Ilana along with son Jesse are founding members of the Celtic Fusion band Mac-talla Mo'r, which plays an eclectic blend of Celtic rock, blues, jazz and traditional songs. It incorporates Jesse's Great Highland Bagpiping with Ilana's traditional Sean Nos vocal and piano music and Patty's Celtic Bodhran(pronounced boh-run') drumming. Levon, the youngest Ofgang accompanies the band on the bagpipes. Erik, the eldest son, delights the crowd with his magic. Ilana the eldest sibling has a Bachelor of Arts in Music. She writes and arranges much of the music the band plays. The challenge is melding her classical, jazz and fusion background with the traditional melodies of bagpipe music. Many songs even incorporate ancient hymns she plays as organist and music director at Sacred Heart Church in Danbury. The great thing is that there are no bounds. We can take the music wherever we want and it's always an amalgamation of a hundred different things' Ilana said. That's what keeps things fresh....It's incredible playing with Jesse.....He's an amazing musician. You don't see that kind of dedication. I really feel lucky to play with him...... Tartan Day MacTalla Mor: They Kilt It MacTalla Mor headlined WestConn's Tartan Day Celebration last Saturday, enthralling the packed house with their unique Celtic fusion music. They were so good that if there weren't children in the audience people would have been taking their clothes off. Tartan Day, which provided the occasion for this great performance, is a holiday that honors Scottish heritage. Canadian native Jean Watson began petitioning for such a holiday in the mid-1980's; in 1987, Canada was the first country to celebrate it. Canada, the United States, Scotland and England celebrate Tartan Day on April 6 to commemorate the signing of Scotland's Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. According to the Scottish Parliament website, this declaration demanded Scotland's independence from British rule. Australia and New Zealand celebrate Tartan Day on July 1 to commemorate the signing of the Repeal Proclamation. This 1772 act repealed many parts of a repressive legislation that forbade, among other things, the wearing of tartan fabric. MacTalla singer Ilana Ofgang explained that tartan is the plaid fabric that kilts are made of, and each pattern denotes a different Clan Heritage. Whatever you do, she said, "don't call it a skirt." MacTalla Mor, which means Great Echo in Gaelic, is truly a family operation. WCSU grad Ilana Ofgang plays piano and sings lead vocals. Her mom, Patty Devlin-Ofgang, sings back up and plays Bodhran, a traditional Irish drum. Ofgang brother Erik helps write songs and often opens for the band with a magic act. Finally, brothers Levon, 14, and Jesse, 18, play bagpipes. Levon and Jesse dressed in full Scottish gear, including kilts with daggers. "If anyone messes up," said Jesse, referring to his knife, "it's all over." Backing up this musical family, Nadav Snir-Zelniker plays drums and Pete Orlanski plays bass. Dancers Kiera Elkow and Kinleigh O'Connor accompanied this performance with their fancy Celtic footwork (luckily, nobody messed up). To put it simply, MacTalla Mor sounds like the music at a St. Patrick's Day carnival next to an Ecuadorian volleyball tournament. The band alternates between traditional Celtic songs and funky bagpipe grooves. They even rocked out "St. Thomas," a Caribbean-inspired jazz standard by Sonny Rollins. "I thought Ricky Martin was gonna run out on stage right there," said audience member Mike Devaney. "That was metal." The band's traditional ballads were the most touching, though. One old Irish song, called "Keg of Brandy," told the heartfelt tale of a drunk who "was thinking of lovely Molly" and was "always drunk until (he) was sober." A Scottish lullaby, "Skye Boat Song," had less to do with drinking and more to do with a heroic patriot who died in battle. Towards the end of the second set, Ilana held the audience rapt as she began an a cappella version of the familiar Scottish tune "Auld Lang Syne." Just as everyone was about to break into tearful Tartan Day Resolutions, the band burst into funk awesomeness. Guess we didn't have to drink more and love our neighbors after all…or did we? MacTalla Mor tried to close the night with a Celtic toast, but the audience wouldn't let them leave. After a standing ovation and screams of "Encore!" and "Free Bird!" the band started on jamming on "St. Thomas" again. Young and old conga-lined around the Student Center Theater, dancing to MacTalla's Celtic carnival. Sadly, the conga line had to end somewhere. In the words of an old Irish poet, "Fill to ma a parting glass. Goodnight and joy to all." The Echo REAL FANS CDs Musical Treasure, Elixir! [+ Show] Letters From Real Fans & Festival Organizers "The Wind of the Ocean The Roar of the Mountain The Voice of the Angel It Gives you the Great Echo MacTalla Mor"! Robert E. Burke First Selectman Bethel British Memorial Garden-Tartan Week "Bravo" I wanted to thank you on behalf of the British Memorial Garden Trust for your wonderful contribution to our Tartan Week concert on Friday. MacTalla Mor was wonderful and the crowd loved you. I was especially moved by Illana’s singing of the national anthems: beautiful and perfect for the event. Thank you again for being a part of our concert – you really brought the house (or rather garden) down! PB Director of C&M British Memorial Garden Trust, Inc. Capitol District Scottish Games You guys blew me away. I saw you at the Scottish Games in upstate NY where I live and your music and talent blew me away-I had shivers most of the time because you were that good! I'm Irish and Scottish so I have seen a LOT of Celtic bands-and now you guys have moved up to #1 on my favorite list. I'm a radio arts student so I have seen a lot in my years and I aspire to have my own radio show or even radio station some day. And if I do-I would LOVE to play your music. MT NY My last comment is for the acclaimed piper Jesse M0 Ofgang-is there anything musically you cant do? You have so much talent and passion for music that I instantly fell in love. You are a very lucky man. Thank you all of you for sharing your talent with the world. There is no other band like you. Long Island Irish Festival "Thanks for an AWESOME job at the festival!" CM Founder & Director Slainte Irish Festival I want to thank....my great new friends in MacTalla Mor - you guys are destined for something big.. CM Founder Long Island Irish Festival Pipes In the Valley Festival Wow! Bob just kept saying "They kicked ass!"...One super show! Congratulations! Good for you; good for Ten Penny Ale! Gail and Bob Oldeburnside Brewery, Founders of "Pipes In the Valley" Hi Jessie, What does MacTalla Mo’r, Black 47, Dropkick Murphy, and the Tanna Hill Weavers have in common? ….. They all have great pipers. What is the difference between them? We enjoy MacTalla Mo’r the most! My wife and I are fans of yours and have seen you at Pipes in the Valley, the Irish Home in Glastonbury, and the AOH in Waterbury..... Thank you and your family for the beautiful music you make which makes us want to dance or touches the soul. R B Glastonbury Hello Folks, Just wanted to drop a quick note saying just how great the "Great Echo" truly is. Over the weekend we were able to attend the first U.S. concert of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers in Hartford, CT., and as fabulous as they are, they have absolutely nothing on MtM!!! Their pipers are excellent, but Jesse and Levon are every bit as tremendous (actually MORE SO!) and MtM also surpasses them with original music AND LYRICS. The Chilli Pipers are strictly instrumental, so also fall short in lack of MtM's superb vocal aspects as well. Anyway, after hearing what one person described as "the next big thing" direct from Scotland, it's no wonder we drive 2-3 hours just to hear you folks as often as we can. We now have attended MtM concerts in four states, NY, NH, MA, and CT, and can't wait for more (Mor!) Keep up the stupendously excellent work! Best regards, H & K Manchester Flora Macdonald North Carolina You were thoroughly Awesome!! Previously I'd only heard a couple of your tracks on Highlander Radio (www.celticradio.net) and through your website, but they were enough to at least want to see what you were all about. Now you have a hard & fast fan!! I got 2 of your CD's, but it won't be long before I have them all! Ilana, you have such a lovely voice, not to mention your keyboarding skills--And the Piping... yes, Resistance is indeed Futile! I hope you perform together for many many years, yet--you all can truly succeed at taking Celtic music to "The Masses." As my wife said, y'all are what Scottish music would sound like if we'd ultimately prevailed against the English!! Tipping my tam tae ye, M Thank you. Both of us enjoyed getting to know your wonderful and talented family. Your concerts are fantastic! Blessings on you and your family as you continue to enrich lives and carry on traditions of Scottish music. PC NH Great Strides Benefit We can't thank you enough for your generosity. Patrick's Patrollers have collected about $200 shy of $50,000, a new record. The total for the site is over $90,000. I don't know if we can ever repay you. You must have a sense of what a big hit Mactalla and" Magik Erik" were just by the sales of the CDs and merchandise. Everyone was raving about you all way into the late night hours. We left around midnight and people were still walking around in Mactalla shirts and hats......you guys are great!!! R&R Great Strides Walk-A-Thon Benefit Event, NH Real Fans-Real mail! " I saw you guys at the Hungry Tiger and I was Blown Away! Thanks, This is Dan the music writer for the Hartford Advocate. "I wanted to say MacTalla was great at Pipes in the Valley"! MB PIV Hey - Congrats to Jesse for winning 'Piper of the Day' at the Roundhill Games! Well done! with the crowd calling multiple encores . . . take care. Mark I PROMISE I AND MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY WILL FOLLOW YOUR BAND EVERYWHERE INCLUDING HARTFORD CT 8/14 GREAT SOUNDSSSSSSSSSSS LOVE YOUR MUSIC The first time I ever heard your wonderful group was at the North Haven Irish festival :: I was leaving for Ireland the next Day ...but I was just stopped in my tracks while walking by You have a great sound and you just blew me away HAPPY ST PATTYS DAY TO ALL OF YOU....THE BEST NIGHT EVER WAS WHEN MACTALLA MOR PLAYED! PLEASE CALL THIS BAND AND BOOK THEM ::: PLEASE They took down the house.....I can honestly say we had the best time ever. They are so wonderful and make everyone feel they are part of the show. ( A great family band ) One in a Million..... I go all over the East to see them and I see the same people over and over following them around much like the Black 47 fans. All the members loved the show Even Mike Foley was out on the floor and getting a standing ovation....We had such fun. The dance floor was packed with members that said they seldom dance They couldn't help but get out there and hit the floor...JS Your "Jacob's Ladder" tribute to the firefighters of 9/11 was a stunningly beautiful tribute - especially moving for an old piper. My wife and I wept. I've only seen you at Round Hill, and love your rollicking material - but Jacob's ladder on your CD was a wonderful discovery of the breadth and depth of your music. Keep it coming. DS Hello everyone, I am 18, and studying music in college. I have seen you all perform about two times and I must say that I am very impressed with your music. I dont think I have ever seen a live show as great as you all played. I have your CD and listen to it often. I love Celtic music. I love that you play traditional with a modern twist to it. Thanks so much for sharing your great music. Hope to hear from you. HAVE A GREAT ST. PATRICKS DAY! Your Music Rocks! RB It's wonderful! I didn't just like the music -I loved the music. I just loved everything about it!" -Marie Jensen, Mac-T fan Pipes In the Valley Festival Great review! We have a rule that we don't hire bands more than 2 yrs. in a row for PIV, but you guys are such a show band and so versatile, that we had to break our own rule. We've also booked Tannahill Weavers, and Clann an Drumma........G and B "Pipes In The Valley" "I saw MacTalla Mo'r for the first time this past weekend at the Trumbull Irish Festival; they were awesome! I'm very excited about receiving the CD". A.D. CT "Have you ever imagined a Caribbean island off the coast of northern England? A Jazz club that specializes in classic rock? The cry of bagpipes set beside the beat of steel drums? Picture these and you'll begin to imagine the music of Mac-Talla Mor." -M.P. Washington, DC YOUR MUSIC IS WONDERFULL! DEAR MAC-TALLA GROUP, YOUR MUSIC IS PHANTASTIC, AND I WOULD KNOW HOW CAN I HAVE YOUR BEAUTIFUL MUSIC. I'M FROM ITALY, AND I THINK THAT IN THE NEXT MONTHS I WILL RETURN IN SCOTLAND.I WAS IN SCOTLAND 16 YEARS AGO (EDIMBURG, INVERNESS, SKYE, PITLOCRY, PERTH) AND LAST YEAR (GLASGOW AND EDINBURGH, BUT ONLY 3 DAYS)BEST WISHES AND COMPLIMENTS, BYE, BRUNO (FROM BERGAMO, A LITTLE CITY NEAR MILAN) "When I hear the pipes of MacTalla Mor, I'm transported to a stone pub in Scotland, with a pint set in front of me on the worn wooden trestle. With music simultaneously youthful and ancient, there is magic in that voice." - C.P. A fan from NJ. We were recently in the highlands of Scotland and had the privilege of listening to some of your music at the Cuilfail Hotel, Kilmeford and would like to purchase a cd or two or three. We live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.... Barbara J. Burton (nee Scott) Hi everyone, I saw you at the Scotland Scottish Festival, and I thought you were great fun. Your pipers were both amazing, and I was very surprised to see two of them! Not many celtic bands, if any, do that. I thought you had a great sound. I'm sure I'll make it back to see you again. Thanks for the show! C I just had the pleasure of taking in your show at the Old Corner Cafe in Naugatuck (Union City) you are truly a wonderful musical experience. Not the same old cookie cutter musical band.It was a treat to chat with you and enjoy a wonderful night of the most original music act I've seen in years. The following is something you may use on your website as a testimony from a fan of Mac-talla Mo'r. If your looking for spiritual music and something that will set your feet on fire take in a show of Mc-talla Mo'r. From their highly original and well crafted signature song "I Am" that will lift your soul to clouds of musical rapture, to a marvelous version of Eric Burdon and the Animals " Sky Pilot" with the melodious harmonies of Ilana and Patty they cover the a whole sphere of music with originality and a style that separates them from all other house bands and Irish musical acts. What real Pipers have to say about MtM's Pipers: Did anyone catch "MacTalla Mor" at Round Hill this weekend---what a show they put on!....The piping was excellent! DC Round Hill Games This is a musical treasure to be enjoyed, see where they will be, grab your keys and head to take a sip of a true musical elixir ! Gerry Cantlon Waterbury.CT Orange County Comm In Concert Thank you so much for signing my CD case! I went on July 4th just to see you guys! I love your music, and so does the rest of my family. You're awesome! - A Kentucky Festival & Highland Games You are the best band I ever heard. I LOVE YOUR MUSIC! We attended the Ky. Scottish weekend in Carrollton, Ky. last weekend and I saw your permformance for the first time. I am a 15 year veteran of a volunteer fire department. I could tell you all horror stories until the end of time.......but none would ever compare to the horror that still haunts me (and us all for that matter) of that sickening, sickening day in September. I had the honor of being in the crowd when you played your, "Jacob's Ladder"....and you had dedicated it to those who had gone on and those of us who still serve and try to protect. It is a long, tiring, hot, thankless job.....but....when the day comes when someone like you cares enough to write and perform a song like "Jacob's Ladder"...it puts it all back into perspective. I am a firefighter because I have an undying, endless passion for it and always will have. I was so touched by your song that I was speechless...all I could do was simply just sit there, nothing more, just sit there. When I am moved to the point of being motionless....somthing has been accomplished. Thank you SO MUCH for "moving" me to become motionless! You all absolutely are the BEST!!! So, from at least one firefighter, I thank you for appreciating us......and for such a wonderful tribute in "Jacob's Ladder." Thanks again!CC I saw the concert on Mother's Day at the KY Scottish Festival. I don't part with my money easily but had to have one of your albums and a t-shirt. I have been playing for others ever since! Terrific talent!! Good luck to you on your touring. It was a pleasure to listen to you. Thanks GD y'all were great this weekend at the Ceildh and concert! I love how you guys incorporated such a variety of styles (example, rapping) into a Scottish genre. very cool!:) AC I saw you guys play at the Ky. Scottish Weekend, and you put on a great show. The "Dueling Bagpipes" ..has to be a crowd pleaser anywhere in the South!!!! Thanks for autographing your CD for my son. Ilana not only has the face of an angel; but the voice of one too! I hope you guys come back again soon! Hey Mactalla Mor, Great! I just wanted to thank you guys for coming out to Kentucky last weekend. I have always loved the pipes but your band brings a new yet old sound. The songs make you want to get up and do a jig. I wish you toured more in the midwest. I love "Piping Hot". Could tell you have a great family connection between the players. I hope you continue to be blessed and make more unique music. The radio in Cincinnati is so stayed and boring. It is good to have something so creative and moving to listen to. Good Luck! One of your newest fans. J My Grandbaby's and I dance everyday to your wonderful music......We love you! Guess what...I heard your music playing in Walmart in Carrollton Kentucky on Friday. Your music has changed muy life and the lives of my Grandkids, ages 3 and 5. They now dig bagpipes. How cool is that! KY Hi All, Really enjoy listening to your CD. Wish I was near to go to all your great programs. It was wonderful to meet you at the Kentucky Scottish Festival. You have the very best Scottish Band I have ever heard. As a Mother of eight I know you enjoy being with your kids. My birthday will be Oct. 4 th. I will be 81 years old. I can't believe it. I sure don't feel that old. Best wishes to all, PG Circleville, OH LI Scottish Games Saw you at the LI Scottish Games, Awsome!!GS I have seen you guys at two festivals, an Irish one in Trumbull and The Scottish Highland Games (Roundhill) in Norwalk, on July 1st. I am absolutely in love with your music. And I fully plan to be at just about every music festival you guys will be at in the area. I absolutely love your sound, and the Pipes add sooooo much. I wanna play now too. You'll see me in my MacTalla tee, for I will be representing you guys the very best I can. Love you guys, and can't wait to see you all soon! Olivia Kupper You did great yesterday. You guys are going places, trust me, don't forget us on long island for next year! AM Just wanted to say how much we enjoyed the show (as usual). ...and I espcailly wanted to let you know how great that Amazing Grace/Stairway to Heaven/Sky Pilot mix was! My girls just love dancing to your music and they listen to the CDs everyday. I hope we'll be able to see you sometime again soon. Emily and Mary Lynch's Dad Long Island Irish Festival You guys are awesome - I still get emails from people raving about MacTalla Mor! Thanks!! CM Director LIIF "If you like good music, you'll love MacTalla Mo'r....the best Celtic Fusion Band I've Heard...." Irish Critic, Joe O'Shea "Sensational...Their shows are lively and entertaining. One simply cannot hear this band and not become a fan!" -Bill Gillespie, Manager of famed music venue...Towne Crier Cafe Piper Levon Ofgang member of Celtic Fusion Band MacT alla Mo'r wins 1st, 2nd and 3rd places and was awarded the honor of Piper of The Day at EUSPBA-sanctioned, Scottish Arts Festival at Manchester, NH. Round Hill Highland Games Jesse Ofgang Wins 1St & Piper of The Day at Round Hill Highland Games! Celebration of Celts Ghent NY Just had to say thank you again for the WONDERFUL performance at Celebration of Celts on Sunday!........the magic tricks by Mage Erik (what fun!!!) but the one that totally blew us away was Hell-Bound Train.......what a totally awesome performance!! The BEST we've ever heard! It was absolutely incredible! You guys are amazing! Thanks again for bringing so much great music into our lives. We eagerly look forward to another performance. H&T You guys are fabulous ! I bought 2 CDs....we played them immediately and it was wonderful!JM The piping was excellent! DC Round Hill Games *Ivy and Stone Council For the Arts, West Virginia* Hey,I loved the show!!! It was freakin great!! Hope to see you agian soon, Love, J ***Grandfather Mountain Highland Games---"The Largest Scottish Clan Gathering in the World"*** Comments: We saw you guys for the first time at this past weekend's Highland Games, you are "great" we so enjoyed your music, been going to the Celtic Jam at the Games for 6 years and with our old favorite 7 Nations, you guys are the best. We would love to see you when you are back in NC in October at the Flora Macdonald Highland Games. Thanks and keep up the wonderful music your family has started. R W - Shelby, NC I saw this band live at the Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina and was delighted at the unique Celtic/Scottish sound. The young men on the bagpipes, Jesse and Levon Ofgang are amazing. Talk about your young prodigies! The older members of the band are great as well. I'm truly enjoying listening to their music at home while I write. Thank you for traveling to North Carolina/Grandfather Mountain to perform for us! Chrissy K. McVay Author of 'Souls of the North Wind' Thank you, and again...I so much enjoyed Mac Talla Mo'r music at Grandfather Mountain. Best to you and all the Band, SL You guys were my favorite band last year. I bought all your CDs! Great music outta the CD player, but ever so much more fun in person, when you can dance!! M GMHG Comments: Saw your show(s) at GMHG and you guys are GREAT! I caught as many of your performances as I could and you were definitely one of the best groups there. I bought a couple of CD's and will order a T-Shirt or cap off the website so I can spread the word. Again great job and I hope to catch you again. Ken I saw you for the first time at the Highland Games in Grandfather Mountain. REALLY enjoyed your music and your sound. Looking forward to seeing you in Red Springs in October. What a great combination of the old and the new!! So glad I found you. RZ Hi! I saw you all up at The Grandfather Mountain Highland Games This month and I just wanted to say it was outstanding. I really enjoyed the tunes and I must say The pipes are smoking. I hope you all come back next year to wow everyone again. Thanks so much for doing what you do. Fan For Life. TF I just wanted to say that I love your Proformance at Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. And that i am going to Pulcalra (treasure) the allbum (Piping Hot) you signed with all my little Heart. KW My son and I thoroughly enjoyed your performances at GMHG. PS-Llana is the sexiest thing I have ever seen on a keyboards. BB I loved your show last night, Jesse is really cute, I'm the girl that Jesse let behind the table for you all to sign mey shirt . Thank you for last night and thanks to you (Jesse) I conquered my fear, So thank you again for a great night . I hope to see you again. Devin S I may now have a German name but Celtic roots and heart. Saw your wonderful group yesterday at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and evening Celtic-Rock concert. Great...Great...Great! Kaye R Hunter Mountain International Celtic Festival New York Comments: You guys rocked Hunter! Chris Hynes Hope to see your band play soon. Lisa Glasgowlands Festival MA You were great, you put on a hell of a show, the last song was amazing. L Wachusett Mountain Festival MA My wife and I enjoyed tremendously (as usual) your concerts at Wachusett Mountain last Saturday. Your entire family band is phenomenal, and unlike anything we've ever heard before. The music is addictive (and yes, Resistance really is Futile!) Thanks again! My family and I REALLY enjoyed your show at the Mt. Wachusett Celtic Festival!!! We cant wait to see you again. The Music was excellent and I loved the drums and Pipes! A wonderful experience! CM I recently saw you preform at the Apple Fest in NH this past weekend. I must say you guys are incredible! I love your rendition of Free Bird, its one of my favorite songs. Congrats on your sucess and future. M SCHOOLS To Prospective Schools: Last spring, students at Meadow Hill Elementary School were exposed to the lively music of the Celtic band, “MacTalla.” I heartily recommend this music group’s performance for children! In its energy, MacTalla creates in students of all ages an enthusiasm for music. Its performers use both instrumentals and vocals to showcase their talents and teach. During the assembly, which was very interactive with the audience, children sang along and danced with the band. While MacTalla sang and played for our intermediate students (Grades 3-6), primary aged students stopped in our hallways outside the performing area and clamored to be included! MacTalla is a group whose music can be enjoyed and appreciated by students of all ages. In its message, MacTalla is much more than simply another ethnic band. While students certainly learn much about Celtic music and culture through experiencing the band, they also learn character education. Many of the themes of the band are universal, such as the need to appreciate diversity, get along with one another, and love our fellow citizens of the world. In these days of stringent budgets and academic demands, schools certainly must choose assemblies carefully. If the reaction of students and teachers at Meadow Hill is a measure, this is a school program not to be missed! I heartily endorse MacTalla as a school performance. Respectfully, BW Principal Hello Patty, Jesse, Levon, Ilana, and Erik! I just wanted to thank you guys again for the wonderful musical performance you provided our students at Jennings School through the Fairfield Arts for Youth program on 4/24. You are all so very talented and your performance was thoroughly engaging. [The choreographed card tricks, participatory conga-line, and behind-the-back bagpiping were particularly entertaining!] The children were enthralled! Thanks so much for providing a wonderfully entertaining musical arts experience for our school! It was a pleasure meeting you all, and I wish you the best in all your future endeavors! Warmest regards, CC Fairfield Arts for Youth Whiskey Live New York Dear Harry, Patty and your lovely children, Thank you SO much for coming to play for us at Whisky Live New York. We loved having you all and thought your music was fantastic! You really got the crowd going and it was a pleasure to have you there. You are quite something in fact I've never met such a talented and lovely family. We very much hope you will work with us again this year and we will be in touch about further events. Best RL Events Manager Hooley on the Hudson We are the stage managers for the main stage where Mactalla Mor played on 9/2 at the (Hooley on the Hudson in Kingston NY). On behalf of the stage crew... we would like to tell you what a great show you put on. We had been looking forward to seeing you play since Bill Yosh told us he signed you on. Keep up the good work. Thanks PS, Freebird was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Patty, AWESOME show Saturday night, at the Hooley on the Hudson. You guys were great! Was wondering if you would be interested in playing at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Kingston. RJR Hi, I was your mc at the Hooley and co-host of the Irish Show. Your show was electrifying...one first timer called the experience "tribal!". Would it be possible to get additional copies of your cds?... The Irish Show... WKNY...Keep the Faith. K I just wanted to say how incredible you were at the Hooley on the Hudson in Kingston, N.Y. on Sunday Sept. 5th. Simply fantastic. BAFlll I first saw your band at Hunter Mtn NY I thought you were great! Then I just saw your band again on 8/31 and I am absolutely blown away. I LOVE BAGPIPE music but what the young men did with the bagpipes is amazing. I will forever remember Free Bird (which is my all time favorite song) done as never before. I screamed and whistled so much it hurts today...You all really enjoy what you do and it shows in your performance. I have seen many concerts but your show was just really amazing. I will look to attend a full concert to be blown away... even more. Keep up the great music!!! H I am still electrified by your unparalled performance at Kingston's Hooley on the Hudson Festival. I am your newest groupie and have not stopped playing your CD. I had no idea a bagpipe could hit every shredding guitar solo note and am now an addict! Thank you for reaching my soul. D Central New York Scottish Games WHAT A GREAT SHOW!!!!!!!!! This was the first year I let my daughter stay for the Ceilidh and she had an awesome time! Thanks for the absolutely astounding pipes. I only wish my father could have seen it. I know he could hear you all the way to heaven! Thanks again and hope to see you next year! Melissa and Eliza French Clan MacLeod My daughter and I cannot wait until August! We do not want to rush summer, but...to see you perform will be the highlight of our summer. MF Hi! I just happened to stop and heard you play at the Scottish Games in Liverpool, NY and FELL IN LOVE with your music. In fact, I was so moved by Jacob's Ladder that I stood there with tears rolling down my face for the entire song. My only regret is that I only bought two of your CD's and didn't get No Man's Land! I am planning on going to the Capital District Ganes in Altamont, NY just to see/hear you play again. I have my husband loving your music as well. I'd like to become a groupie! Thank you for your beautiful music!!!! Missy Milford Irish Festival Hey!! I saw you guys this in Milford, CT and I was blown away. I haven't stopped listening to your CD since then. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face and a stomp to my feet!! Warmest Regards B Grand Central Station NYC Tartan Week Hey you guys are great!!!! Caught ur act at Grand Central Station for Tartan Week. You really rocked the old hall!..... The drummer is incredible, the Bagpiper is awesome and the Singers are fabulous...M S. New Hampshire Scottish Games Thanks so much for coming. You were certainly the hit of the day! We would very much like to have you return next year. LC Dir SNHSG Concert Series Was as last nights concert in New Milford, CT...Awsome....absolutely loved the sound! Thank you. LS CDs Celtic Radio Review: "The New Colossus" MacTalla Mo'r is a hard driving, powerful Celtic Rock and Bagpipe band whose sound will certainly have you falling in love with this wonderful mix of musicians. Their latest CD - The New Colossus contains a great mix of tracks, both Celtic rock, Celtic reggae (must hear!) and a few beautiful vocal mixes. Definitely 5 stars awarded to this "breaking new ground" album! Celtic Radio I love your new CD. The first track [Mist Covered Mountains]is incredible! I especially like "The New Colossus," "US Reggae," and "New Wave." BH The New Colossus is amazing! The title track and US reggAe both have me reaching for the repeat button. Time Out and the longer version of Itchy Fingers are pure fun. The Gaelic pieces are simply beautiful. The album has been playing nonstop on my G5 at the office since it came in. GS I said once that I expected the real magic to be inside the CD package. I didn't realize how prophetic that statement was. I've been listening to the CD ever since it came in the mail—letting the music sink in—and I have to say, this is your best from start to finish! I know I've heard Erik's voice thru his lyrics, but I love hearing his "physical" voice now as well. Levon's "TimeOut" is one of my favorites especially with what Ilana does in the middle with "The Girl From Ipanema." It was also nice hearing more of Jesse's clear tenor. I think my all-time favorite though is track #8. Can't remember the name but it's one of the traditional tunes. I'm able to clearly hear all the different layers of the music...Patty's drum and Jesse's guitar serving as a base, the whistle overlapping the pipes, the whistle/piano interlude, and Ilana's keyboard-dancing fingers above it all. Love it!! Great job—this is your best. SK Love Your New CD! My husband and I are HUGE fans of yours (from Cortland, NY). We first heard you at the Scottish Games in Syracuse last summer, and I have followed you at the Irish Festival on Long Island, Scottish Festival near Albany, and back in Syracuse last winter. I have been anxiously awaiting your new CD, and got it in the mail yesterday. I listened to it 3 times last night, and immediately fell in love with EVERY song. You guys are awesome!!! You all have so much talent. I wish you all the best with your new CD, and can't wait to see you again at the Scottish Games in Syracuse! Thank you for your music. MS I’ve been listening to the new CD. It’s been the only thing I’ve been listening to on my ipod. I have so many playlists...so many songs, yet I find myself always going back to the one marked “MacTalla.” It’s really great and in my opinion, the best! SK Dear MTM, We really enjoyed your concert in New Milford Saturday night. I especially enjoyed hearing "The Mist Covered Mountains," now one of my favorite songs. " I also loved your performances of "The New Colossus," "US ReggAe," and "No Woman No Cry." As always, I couldn't keep from clapping and tapping my feet during your dazzling performance of "Hellbound Train." The whole crowd was doing the same thing. Thanks for writing and performing such terrific music. B H (M loved the concert too, of course.) Just received the new CD from CD Baby. Excellent! Another classic CD. Any chance of doing shows in Scotland or the UK? RC Hi. After hearing you at the Irish and Celtic Music Podcast and certainly due to the enthusiasm of Marc Gunn I ordered "The New Colossus" from CD Baby and received it today. I am playing it right now and I love it. This will certainly not be the last. Thank you.JW Amsterdam, Netherlands The New Colossus is Perfect! BW |