CelticWomanForum.com

Hi all.
 I wanted to make some comments about Ray Fean and this is the only place they seem to fit. Ray is as much a part of Celtic Woman as any of the performers. He brings his own style of excitment to the stage and has fun doing it. I guess that because my oldest son has played drums all his life, I have learned that "the drummer in the band" is usuallly one of the most out going and accessible members of a group.  I met Ray before the Chattanooga concert, and found that to be true with him. Not only did he sign my program and have his picture taken with me and Jim (mpdallen), he even took time to go into the building and bring us an autographed set of drumsticks. Not just a promotional set but ones that have actually been used. They have the marks on them to prove they have been used. I have the sticks displayed in my living room with pride.
 I wanted to let everone know what a great guy Ray Fean really is, as a person as well as a performer.
 Don

Don, I agree wholeheartedly.  After the concert at Wolf Trap last year, Ray spent about 15 minutes chatting with me and my son.  He's an extremely talented percussionist and a heck of a nice guy.

Don, I  love the girls but the percussionists are my favorite part of Celtic Woman. I love nothing more than listening to music with intricate rhythms and Ray and Nicky are the best. I love watching them too. I expect that since the concert I am attending is the last one of the tour, and the whole crew will be focused on going home, that I won't get an opportunity to meet them this year. But....there is always next tour.

Great topic,

-Kit

Well, trying having Drums in the house! I have a 14 yr old brother who plays the drums like no one is listening to him! He plays them loud and clear! Unfortunetly my bedroom is underneath his and waking up to Drums at 7 in the morning on weekends is something to wake up too! Good thing he doesn't have a set like Rays and Nickys!

Ray (and Nick) are great..it would not be Celtic Woman without them. Ray especially looks like he's having a blast when on stage. One question, though, for Ray, if anyone can ask him..at the Albany show last week, during the Voice he was using those feather duster things instead of the rubber hammer thingys (I know nothing about music, just what great music sounds like..lol). On the DVD, he uses the hammers and it is loud and great, but it was somewhat muted at the live show..just wondering why.

 Brushes make a certain soud but i don't know why he would have changed. Intersesting. 

I agree, Ray and Nick really add something speacial to the Celtic Woman shows.  I've never met them but I would love to meet them!  They really are awesome drummers!

I have an idea for the drummers for the next tour.

Have any of you seen Mick Fleetwood, of Fleetwood Mac, play what is called a "Hotz Vest"? He did so about 20 years ago. Its basically a vest with sensors or buttons on it that when touched make various pre-programmed sounds. The vest is attached to a tether wire to take signals back to some control computer. With modern technology, I bet such a tether wire now is unnecessary. The problem with Fleetwood is that he was so high or drunk he just pressed randomly. It really wasnt music, more random crazy sounds.

But lets say someone were to do this in a planned logical way. It would give the drummers something new and interesting to do, and as they do it during the concert, it would give the ladies and David 5-10 minutes to catch their breath, use the restroom, change clothes, whatever. It would also give their fans something more to enjoy and cheer for.

I have had the opportunity to speak with Ray and Nicky more than once.  They are very sweet and the nicest guys you could meet.  The last time I was standing by the buses just telling everyone thank you and that they did a great job.  I wasn't expecting anyone to stop as they had a long ride to the next venue.  Well Nicky shook my hand and Des said hello.  Ray was on his way to the bus with his escort and I said  "hi Ray, great show".  He stopped and spoke and gave me a hug.  Then he hurried off to get on the bus.  He didn't have to stop and speak but he did.  It made my night.

As many of you probably know, I have a crush on Nicky... but not for his looks or anything shallow like that.
I just like how he seems to REALLY get into the music during Dulaman.

When I saw celtic Woman in St.Louis, i guess Nick Bailey had to go get something from a convienence shop or something because he was waiting at the cross signal with me and my mom. He was holding a bag and we walked all the way across the parking lot and across the road right beside him! I almost said something... but i couldn't work up the courage! (*lol*) I didn't want him to think I was weird and obsessed! (*lol*)!
-brett
-jmj

I know. We'll just keep on waiting for them to come clean until the performance.

Cash, I've seen the vest you're talking about in concert.  Mick used it on the Say You Will tour four years ago and usually uses it when they are singing "World Turning".  That interlude does give the other band members a much needed (about 20 minutes or so) break and I am sure either Ray or Nicky could get the gist of it very quickly.  Good thought Cash!

I don't think that is Ray's style at all.
He doesn't need any such enhancement.
I think he is into pure percussion, with real instruments rather than computerized sound.
And I think the only thing he is high on is music.

Ray rocks!

Anyone who has Ray's talent, personality, and looks doesn't need to get high on anything but life itself.

Dianne

Oh I would love to meet him. He just seems like the coolest guy around.

i should have learned, to play the guitar, i should have learned, to play them drums

i was lucky to see Ray in Riverdance although I didn't know who he was however in March stumbled on PBS......CW and saw a familiar face and again a great performance. Then while in Orlando I was lucky to be there one more time to watch he and Nicky  Iwould love to have a camera just on them during Mo Ghile Mear.  What a show.

don - i have a couple of stories about ray just like yours and i'm holding one of the used stix he gave us right now!!! ;D

I always have to laugh whenever I see Ray--he looks exactly like a guy from my church, and they act the same way too! When I watch Dulaman, its hysterical because I can see Mark, the guy at church, dancing around exactly as Ray does!!

Ray and Nick both could have a show of there own. They are very entertaining to watch.

(http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/1372544/2/istockphoto_1372544_close_up_of_drum_brushes.jpg)
I assume by feather duster things you mean brushes?...Brushes are used for texture...if you listen to jazz music and you hear kindof like...that swirlyish sound on the snare...or like...a very light almost like the tip of a needle sound on the cimble or hight hat...those are brushes...Brushes are just used to produce like...a textured sound that you wouldn't be able to make with a normal drum stick...

and for the hammers...

 (http://forksdrumcloset.com/zc/images/CH.jpg)
Did you mean chime hammers (which is hammer above) or mallets?....even though I doubt he's use a chime hammer on anything that wasn't chimes....

I think there are some ladies on this Forum who have a bit of a crush on Ray......

I won't tell........!!! ;) (I'm not blushing am I?)

The following link to an old clip from the Riverdance site shows what kind of a guy he is.
Giving his free time to organize help for a Community Centre, mainly for senior citizens, in a Dublin suburb.

www.riverdance.com/htm/accessallareas/exclusives/ballyfermot.htm

A piece from it:
"Sunday 21 st August saw a truly extraordinary Riverdance show take place in a Community Centre in Dublin. Dreamt up by Riverdance drummer Ray Fean and spurred on by Senior Executive Producer Julian Erskine, Riverdance cast and crew and staff gave their free time to help the Ballyfermot Community Civic Centre celebrate its 4 th year."

Maggie...What a thing to say! Who on this forum could possibly have a crush on Ray?  ;)

-Kit

*coughs "me" *cough  :D

Moi?

You gotta love a guy who is so upbeat and happy in his work.

Plus, the gorgeous arms don't hurt, either........(ooooohhhh stop it Maggie!)

(http://www.frontierrecords.net/pix/ray-fean.jpg)

hehe! LOL Maggie!

Nicky remindes me of a leprechaun.

Oh, he'll be really thrilled to hear that!!! ::) ::) ::)

 ;D

I think you ladies all show a bit too much enthusiasm for these 2 lucky guys. Perhaps CW should replace them with women <ducks very fast>  ;)

I agree, Ray is a really cool guy. He even came out after the Boston show on Sat, and shook our hands, ok..granted there was a small group of pretty young girls..that may have helped  :)

As for the drum sticks, at Thurs night show..he actually threw the sticks into the crowd...I was just hoping he didnt hit an older couple who may not have..been...expecting it  ;D ;D ;D

Maggie why do you say that?

One reason is.....Leprechauns in Irish mythology are solitary, unloveable spirits, always trying to outwit humans.

The main reason is the following, which I took from Wikipedia:

"Many Irish people find the popularised image of a leprechaun to be little more than a series of offensive Irish stereotypes and a trivialisation of Ireland's rich and ancient culture.
The stereotypical image of a leprechaun bedecked in green is particularly strong in the United States".

I think both percussionists are key elements to the show.  Note that they are featured in several numbers.  Seeing the show live gave me a brand new perspective and appreciation of their role in CW.

Oh I see? Thanks for telling me that. I like to be corrected at times when I am dumb like that.

In other news. Ray's cousin joined the other CW forum. The link is http://www.celticwomanmusicloversfansite.com/phpBB2/index.php

Her username is Robynski and she does not mind answering any questions about Ray.

Robynski is also a member here.  She joined yesterday, but hasn't posted yet.

oh good!

I was watching the ANJ DVD last night and the drum solo during Mo ghile mear (sp..LOL) is absolutely phenomenal!! Those guys are incredible. I love drums and anything with lots of rhythm, so it's right up my street :)

I'm thrilled to see that so many people like Ray and appreciate him for the pure talent and wonderful person that he is.  He is my First cousin and he is truly a great guy. I have pictures with myself and Ray, Nicky and others. Just not sure how to post them?? I saw the show twice this year, once in Chicago (where we hung out with Ray and the rest of the cast for two days) and again in Toronto. Ray and I email and call back and forth all the time. He's the best, as are all the members of Celtic Woman  :)

http://www.celticwomanforum.com/index.php?topic=188.0 (http://www.celticwomanforum.com/index.php?topic=188.0)
;)

Welcome to the forum.

Now all first cousins are privy to certain information about their relatives,  we of course would love to hear tidbits.  ;D Just kidding of course.

The guys are great and you must be proud of Ray.  Naturally I watched them on the DVDs and saw them in Tempe. they definitely look like they are having fun. of course working with the CW ladies has to be fantastic.

Maybe you can get him to visit here.

Jim

You're right, I would have to say I am privy to "certain" information  ;) and yes, I am VERY proud of Ray  ;D, both in his profession and the great person he is.

thanks

Welcome to the forum, Robynski!  It's so good to have you here.  I haven't met Ray personally, but from all accounts he's a generous man.  And we all know how talented he is!  Would you mind passing on to him how fabulous we all think he is?  I hope he's getting a small chance to relax and unwind since they're back home, but I suppose the Christmas filming is coming up soon, so that may not be the case. 

To help you post your pictures, here is an excerpt from one of Rich's (OldFatGuy) posts explaining how to do it.  Any pictures you'd like to share would be most welcome!

Directions for posting pictures on the forum or in Private Messages (PMs):

1.  Sign up for a free account with a web-based photo sharing service (e.g. http://www.fotki.com/us/, http://photobucket.com/, etc.)
2.  Upload your photo(s)/image(s) to your new account.
3.  Select the photo or image that you want to post.
4.  Copy the entire web address for that image.
5.  In your forum post or PM, insert the following line:
     [*img]http://address.you.copied.in.step.4[*/img] but REMOVE the asterisks (*).  (I only put them in to display the code.)
6.  Click on the Preview button, and your image should show up, like this:
     
7.  If it shows up okay, click the "Post" button.

Nice pictures. Thanks for posting.

Jim

So, are you Ann or Robyn?

Great Pics, Don and Ann!  

Welcome to the forum Robinsky.  I had the chance to enjoy the CW concerts in San Diego and Oakland, and Ray and Nicky were AWESOME with the percussion.  

I'm Robyn, but Don and Ann helped me post the picture....sorry, I'm new to all of this ???

Wonderful pictures, Robyn!  I particularly love the one with just you and Ray...such great smiles!  It's good to be able to put a name to the person who plays the piano when it's not David (Feargal).  Can anyone help me out with his name pronounciation?  I have to give kudos to a guy who can keep playing with Lisa trying so hard to distract him in At The Ceili!!!

Share pictures whenever the feeling catches you, Robyn!
Kelli

Robyn,

Thanks so much for posting those pictures....I am a huge fan of the band and the drummers espcecially.

You're a gem!

-Kit

Ah, Kit, I was hoping you'd see this thread soon!!

glad you enjoyed the pics  :)

I absolutely love the picture with just you and Ray! It's so touching! Looks like you guys really have great fun together!!

<3 Lauren

Fur-gull.

I think I posted his name a long time ago, after I recognized him at the Louisville concert.

Thank you, Maggie!!

What got Ray interested in drumming Robynski?

Most of the family is very musical and his older brother is quite an accomplished guitar player in Ireland, Johnny Fean, I think the drums just came naturally to Ray.

I wondered if the rest of the family was musical as well.  Do you play an instrument, Robyn?  I assume Ray would have had to start playing drums at quite the young age to become so good.

I played a snare drum (a hundred years ago in a drum and bugle corp), I played clarinet all through highschool, I play guitar and I'm trying to teach myself the penny whistle!!  :D  I can name pretty much any group/song within a note or two and love all kinds of music. That's about it for me  :) I'd like Ray to teach me to play the spoons, my Dad (his uncle) was very musical as well, sang, played guitar and also played the spoons.

I'm really not sure exactly what age Ray started playing the drums.....I'll have to find out  :)

I think playing the spoons would be a blast!  I'm getting a funny picture in my mind of someone trying to teach someone how to play them ("no, it's done THIS way...")   :D  If you find out what age Ray began playing the drums, we'd love to know.  I'm betting something near as soon as he could hold a drumstick.

yeah it probably would be quite comical learning to play the spoons  :D  I'll see what I can find out, I'll ask his mom!!  :D

I can just see him as a kid.......driving his mom & family nuts by drumming on the milk jug, sugar bowl, table....
until they eventually gave in and put him in a sound-proof room with his first drum-kit!

(http://store.drumbum.com/media/baby-on-drumset.jpg)

LOL!  Maggie, I love the pic!   :D

Hillarious Maggie!!! :D Love the pic!! :)

Great pic Maggie!  It occurs to me that the smile on that baby's face is rather similar to the smile on Ray's face in the picture of Ray and Robyn together...just joyous!

Oh the pic is so cute! Perfect! ;D

What an adoreable picture!  Yep, don't think I'm going to be starting my kids on the drums that early in life.  :)

LOOOOL Maggie you're awesome, I love the picture!!  :D

you know this world would be really said if it were not for music and people like Maggie and their pics.

I figure I'll give my two cents to this post and thank the MAN, Rich (OldFatGuy), for helping me in Pittsburgh get some signed drumsticks from Ray.  If that weren't enough, he helped me get tickets to the Wolftrap performance.  Thanks again.

Oh I know I have someone trying to help me get tickets for late October if they come to NC. People are so cool and nice. It just touches my heart when people are so nice to help.