As The Name Implies, Celtic Nots Are Not Your Typical Irish Band

The Celtic Nots bring a whole new meaning to the term “multi-instrumentalists.”

Sure this Spokane quartet plays instruments like flutes, guitars and banjos. But that’s just the start. The didgeridoo, the bones, the uilleann pipes and concertina also find their way into the Not’s Celtic-based folk music.

And so do instruments with names I can barely pronounce: the bodhran, djembe, shakuhachi. They even play something called a hurdy-gurdy. No joke.

Just take a listen to the Celtic Nots’ new CD - “Not Music.” Here whistles, drums, strings and pipes of all kinds wind and weave around and through each other, forming patterns as intricate as they are beautiful.

“There’s just so much going on in this music and it’s so alive,” says James Hunter of the Celtic music his band has chosen to play.

With an enthusiasm that would make Braveheart proud, this band plays music not heard often in Spokane (unless you’re watching “Riverdance” or “Titanic.”) Hunter is joined by Nigel Elliott, James Funke and Carlos Alden - all of whom play a mind-boggling inventory of instruments as well as share vocal duties.

Hunter and Elliott were both born in England with ancestry based in Ireland and Scotland. Transplanted to Spokane, their music careers until 1995 had focused on rock and reggae. (Elliott, an accomplished tour and sessions drummer, had performed with artists like Sheena Easton and Paul Bliss.)

But Hunter and Elliott wanted to try something acoustic and chose Celtic music, joining with Funke and Alden who had both performed the genre.

But pay close attention to the “Not” part of their band name. Although the Celtic Nots are heavy on the Irish, they aren’t purists and freely blend folk music with elements from around the globe.

“We take a lot of liberties with it,” Hunter says.

Their CD is a mix of traditional songs and their own creations. It’s also a good example of their spirited blending of music styles and cultures - of both present and past.

While the first song “Mary Kay/ Banks of Lough Gowna/New Mown Hay” is traditional Celtic with its two jigs and a reel format, one segment is actually a new piece written by Alden. For “Paul’s Song,” Hunter took a poem written by his brother-in-law (who died in a car accident 10 years ago) and set it to music.

“The Laidley Worm & The Mackerel of the Sea” - spinetingling in its dark storytelling - finds a flute from Japan (the aforementioned shakuhachi) making an appearance. Meanwhile “An Nighean Dubh” finds an Australian didgeridoo added to a traditional Scottish working song.

For Hunter and his bandmates, a didgeridoo from Australia and, say, a bodhran (a goatskin drum from Ireland) seem perfectly suited together in song.

“Folk music from all over the world has something in common,” Hunter says. “There’s something really primal about it. It’s appealing to people at some level that a lot of mainstream rock or alternative music isn’t.”

Although The Nots unravel just a bit when it comes to their vocals, overall their album is a superb piece of musicianship beautifully entangled with primal drum beats, haunting melodies and uplifting jigs.

Tonight, the Celtic Nots perform an all-ages show at The Central United Methodist Church. The show is a benefit for the Shalom Zone Meals Ministry run by the church.

The money will help the church feed homeless and low-income residents of downtown Spokane. Every Monday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. the church offers a free meal to those who need it. This year they served more than 20,000 meals.

The church is located 518 W. Third. Music starts at 7 p.m. tonight. A $10 donation is requested at the door. Call 838-1431 for more information on how to help the Shalom Zone ministry.

Also, catch Carlos Alden’s radio show “Not So Celtic” every Sunday at 3 p.m. on KPBX FM 91.1.

All-ages

Five bands will play an all-ages show at the Bliss store in downtown Spokane tonight. Malicious Mischief, Oil Filter, News A.D., Engine No. 9 and Intifada will perform at the benefit concert to help raise money for Bliss, a small, locally-owned business that features cutting edge clothes and funky gifts.

Brandon Harrison, a Bliss owner and member of News A.D. says they’re trying to raise money to get the business out of debt. The store is located at 518 W. Riverside. Music starts at 8 tonight.

News A.D. and several guest bands will also perform at Ichabod’s North Saturday night, for a second night of fund raising. Cover charge is $4. Music starts at 9:30 p.m.

For those all-agers in Idaho, check out Boondoggles tonight for live music. The Stoics and The Priapismics perform at the coffee house in Coeur d’Alene. Music starts at 9 p.m. Cover charge is $3.

John Lee Hooker Jr.

Talk about being born to the blues.

John Lee Hooker Jr. was touring the country at age 8, hanging out in concert ballrooms, visiting radio stations and singing to crowds.

He was with his dad back then - bluesman extraordinare John Lee Hooker the Elder. And over the years, junior learned the blues not only from his father but by watching and meeting the greats - B.B. King, Big Mama Thornton, Jimmy Reed.

But as pressures to be the next incarnation of his dad grew, he sought refuge in drugs - spending time strung out and even in prison. San Quentin to be exact.

These days Hooker says the drugs are behind him and music is in front of him. He’s scheduled to release an album this summer and is currently on tour.

Hooker Jr. performs Saturday at Mad Daddy’s Blues Club in Coeur d’Alene. He is joined by guitarist John Garcia, who previously played guitar in Hooker Sr.’s band. Archie Johnson opens the show. Music starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $15.

Thinking New Year’s Eve

Calling all clubs, bars and hotels planning to host New Year’s Eve celebrations. You want people to know about your parties? Then let us know. And the sooner the better. The Spokesman-Review will be running a guide to New Year’s Eve soirees in the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene/ Sandpoint areas. If you want your event to be considered for inclusion, please fax or mail the information to Winda Benedetti at the numbers listed below.

Please list the type of entertainment provided, starting time, cover charge, and any other fun tidbits about your celebration. Hotels that require early reservations for dinner/overnight-stay party packages, we need your information no later than Monday. All the rest, please fax or mail us by Thursday.