In 2014, the Model Arts Centre in Sligo commissioned Irish contemporary traditional septet Ensemble Ériu to write new music during a two week residency. The Model is home to the Niland Collection which includes 42 paintings by Irish artist Jack Butler Yeats (1871 - 1957). Composed as a response to the paintings held there and ... [Continue Reading]
fiddle
Cuar: Roscanna
In approaching our vocal music, that style of singing traditional songs which is called in Irish the “sean-nós” - the “old style” - it is best to listen as if we were listening to music for the first time, with a child’s new mind; or to think of Indian Music rather than European. - Seán Ó Riada - Our musical heritage ... [Continue Reading]
Saileog Ní Cheannabháin: Roithleán
Born in a musical family, Saileog Ní Cheannabháin is a native Irish speaker, sean-nós singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist who was mainly influenced by the musicians and singers from the Iorras Aithneach area of West Connemara during her musical upbringing. Released in 2012, her début record I bhFior-Dheiriú Oidhche ... [Continue Reading]
Ensemble Ériu: Imbas
Rooted in the traditional styles of North and West Clare, Ensemble Ériu is a unique combination of young Irish musicians revisiting a familiar repertoire with a highly original and innovative perspective. Following up on the band’s self-titled début in 2013 and released in June 2016 last on Raelach Records (in association with ... [Continue Reading]
The Gloaming 2
Simply as an artist, simply as someone who is trying to move other people, what is it that you can do that no one else can do? Thomas Bartlett Since the emergence of The Gloaming as a collective in 2011, Martin Hayes (fiddle), Dennis Cahill (guitar), Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh (Hardanger d’Amore), Iarla Ó Lionáird (voice) and ... [Continue Reading]
Brendan Begley & Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh: A Moment of Madness
Follow your heart: a moment of madness is better than a life of logic. Brendan Begley Traditional Irish musicians or dancers will know that certain tunes - old or new - are so expertly crafted and follow such an implacable logic that it is sometimes very difficult to escape their circular and intoxicating flow. Released in 2010 ... [Continue Reading]
The Gloaming
The Gloaming’s self-titled début album is simply magnificent. This is contemporary music that is both deeply rooted in traditional Irish music or Sean-nós singing and totally in tune with the 21st century musical zeitgeist. The group emerged in 2011 from the genuine convergence of kindred spirits who have known each other for a ... [Continue Reading]