Part Celtic, part alternative rock, Elaine Romanelli's music is anything but ordinary. Although she has been compared to artists such as Bette Midler, she describes her sound a little differently. She recently took time out of her busy touring schedule to discuss her Irish heritage and its significance to her music.
How would you describe your sound?
The sound I have now is pop, but with some Celt. I think it has some Sarah McLachlan and even Alison Krauss, when I think about the people I sound a bit like. I do have one song that is new, for which Bette Midler would probably be a great reference.
What is the significance of St. Patrick's Day to you?
It's interesting because it's really been an evolution. When I was a kid, you know, it meant wearing green and then as a young adult, fresh out of college, it was green beer. Now, especially since I am performing, it's just a nice moment to stop and celebrate in whatever way the people around me want to do so. I am more interested in the celebratory feel of it. It's also nice to remember the happy side of Ireland, because there has been so much tragedy in that country. It is a time to remember the lilt of the laughter and not focus on some of the sadder parts of its history. As a family, my mother was the one who raised us after my father died, and she is Irish, so there was a little bit of lilt to life all the time. So, St. Patrick's Day wasn't the only time we were Irish.
Are you going to be singing anything special for St. Patrick's Day?
Yes, we will be performing a few Irish tunes. There is a song my mom used to sing to us, Irish Eyes Are Smiling--and there's another song, it's very common, people will sing it sometimes in bars in Ireland or even in England, which is called The Parting Glass, so we are definitely going to sing both of those.
Elaine Romanelli, along with Josh Fox, will perform three sets on March 17, 2010, St. Patrick's Day, at Broadway Dive (2662 Broadway at 101st St.) starting at 4:00 p.m. She will also appear live each Monday night at the Lime Leaf Restaurant (128 W. 72nd St. near Broadway) during the month of March.
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