There is so much wonderful music available today to soothe the Celtic soul. Thanks to such breakthrough artists as Enya and the high steppers of Riverdance, Gaelic music is now widely available in stores and on the internet.

For those that enjoy the haunting sweetness of the female voice, I recommend Loreen McKennitt, Katie McMahon (the featured solist of Riverdance), Karan Casey of Solas and Cathie Ryan of Cherish The Ladies. You will find a mix of Gaelic and English songs, lush accapella, and the pure simplicity of the harp and bodhran.

If you are feeling more adventuresome, I suggest Capercaille's Get Out and Sidewalk. Karen Matheson has an intriguing voice and the band has a knack for fusing funk and dance music onto Gaelic melodies. Their version of the four hundred year old Coisich a' Ruin (Walk My Beloved) made it all the way to the UK singles chart.

The male gender has not been forgotten. Dougie MacLean is my all time favorite form of male ear-candy and his Tribute is an absolute must for lovers of Burn's poetry. For energy you can't beat Old Blind Dogs, Wolfstone, The Tannahill Weavers or Runerig who run spetrum of the haunting to the rockin'.

For fiddle fans, try Beyond The Shore by Deby Benton Grosjean. Her CD is available from www.musicblvd.com. And pay a visit to another wonderful female artist, Mary Jane Lamond at www.chatsubo.com

Celtic ceol has found its way onto DVD and video as well. Celtic Tides is avaiable on CD, DVD, and video. This is an exploration of the evolution of Celtic music and features such artists as Dougie Maclean, Clannad, The Chieftains, Old Blind Dogs, Loreena McKennitt and Capercaille. Interviews with the musicians were filmed against a backdrop of famous and beautiful Gaelic sites, and intermixed with vibrant concert footage.

And let's not forget the wee ones. The Celtic Lullabye by Ellipse Arts is a wonderful collection of sweet tunes sung in Scots Gaelic, Irish, Welsh and Manx. There is one stand-out song that will be of interest to our kin and that is Griogal Cridh (Darling Gregor) by Mac-Talla. It is a stunning rendition ofthe lament of the wife of MacGregor of Glenstrae who was executed in 1570. This sad tune is as gentle as a love song, and unless the bairns speak Gaelic, they won't be troubled by the lyrics. I also want to give a nod to Maggie's Music, the winner of the Parent's Choice Gold award. It is a wonderful intro to the world of of jigs and reels. You can find out more at www.maggiesmusic.com.

Feumaidh mi falbh.

For more information about the entire world of music visit www.amazon.com.