A Celebration of Irish Music!

"Moya Brennan's Voices and Harps, a gorgeous collection of songs driven by the brilliant harp work of Cormac DeBarra… a much-sought after producer and player that has worked with the likes of Ashley Davis. The intoxicating combination of Brennan's ethereal voice and phrasing with the rich tones of an Irish harp is sheer joy… Voices and Harps is not just a fantastic CD, it's also an educational movement and celebration that Brennan has spread to Ireland…" - Mike Farragher

"These two Celtic powerhouses come together for their aptly named album, Voices & Harps. The curt name of the album speaks to the very acoustic and sparing production choices throughout the album. And while the album has a simple feeling to it, as though the listener is seated in the room with the band, the intricacies of these expert players’ arrangements and skill of play is, as always, astounding. Brennan’s voice leads many vocal journeys into traditional Irish songs, flawlessly.

"The album is a must have for any Irish-speaker or lover of the rhythm and beauty of the Irish language. Brennan’s performance of the classic 'Taim Breoite Go Leor' is breathtaking and with added harmonies, it is stunningly tragic. De Barra is no vocal slouch himself. Lending harmonies to most of the record, he takes the reins on the haunting 'Bean Duch A’ Ghleanna' and does it more than justice.

"It is so rare that any piece of music gives the harp its fair dues and this album is entirely dedicated to it. Voices & Harps is a showcase of one of the most underrated and diverse instruments in the Irish trad genre." - Irish Central

http://www.voicesandharps.com/

3/7 - American Irish Historical Society | New York, NY
3/8 - Ryan Concert Hall | Providence, RI
3/9 - Cotuit Center for the Arts | Cotuit, MA
3/7 - Various – Gweedore | Co. Donegal, Ireland

"Reflection and contemplation seem to be the order of the traditional music world these days. Stand-out albums have had one thing in common: a consistency of tone and mood that hints at a desire to do so much more than merely air a new (or an old) tune set or song… Tom McElvogue and Paddy Kerr debuted with a long player in the best sense of the word, The Long Hard Road: flute playing at its best..." - Siobhán Long / The Irish Times’ shortlist for the best Trad album of 2011

http://www.tommcelvogue.com

Back with their first album in 21 years, Brian Dunning’s Puck Fair makes a comeback with Forgotten Carnival. The band is acoustic and the music is inspired equally by the driving rhythms of Celtic music with the freedom and spontaneity of jazz. Dunning, who is also known for playing with the Celtic band NightNoise as well as his work with Jeff Johnson - most notably on Martin Scorsese's Gangs Of New York, has a breathtaking command of the flute coupled with a most personal approach to jazz improvisation and traditional music. He returns here to the repertoire of one of his most successful projects, bringing him together with the versatile guitar of Sean Whelan and the infectious grooves of percussionist Robbie Harris.

"Dunning has a breathtaking command of the flute, coupled with a most personal approach to jazz improvisation and traditional music. He returns here to the repertoire of one of his most successful projects, bringing him together with the versatile guitar of Sean Whelan, the infectious grooves of percussionist Robbie Harris, and two very special guests from Slovakia, violinist Stano Paluch and cellist Joef Luptak, for an evening of cross cultural tradition and innovation. The haunting, melodic atmospheres of this group are long overdue for discovery by fans of Enya and Clannad." – Pitchfork

http://www.puckfair.net/

Heart Strings is Moya’s first ever live solo recording and features the prodigious talents of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Recorded at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and in Germany in October 2007, the 13 tracks include three classic songs from Moya’s days as the voice of Clannad, including "Harry’s Game," "I Will Find You," and "In A Lifetime". Drawing on Moya’s recent solo work with tracks like Tapestry and Sailing Away – tracks that showcase both her skill at crafting evocative moments and her prodigious band’s skillful musicianship – the live show recording underlines just why Moya is known as the First Lady of Celtic music. Moya was thrilled to work with Julie Feeney who both scored the orchestral arrangements and conducted on the night.

"… from the Irish vocalist, best known for fronting Clannad. In total Moira Brennan has recorded 25 albums, and has sold over 20 million records. Since 2002, she has promoted herself as Moya Brennan. On this album, the first lady of Celtic music returns with her first live solo recording which features the magnificence of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. This album show's off one of the most beautiful voices in the music industry today. Featuring many of Moya's best known solo songs, plus three classic Clannad songs, including 'I Will Find You' and 'In A Lifetime'." – Amazon

http://moyabrennan.com/

T With the Maggies (featuring Triona Ní Dhomhnaill and Moya Brennan)
8/3-5 - Dublin Irish Festival | Dublin, OH

Craig Harris of All Music Guide acknowledges Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill as “one of the most influential female vocalists in the history of Irish music… Ní Dhomhnaill's high-pitched vocals and keyboard playing have been an integral element of Skara Brae, the Bothy Band, Touchstone, Nightnoise, and Relativity”.

"The Key’s Within marks a new departure for one of the more understated yet respected musicians to emerge from the great traditional music revival of recent times. The CD features original compositions by Tríona that are inspired by her life in music and the friends and relations who have sustained and inspired her along that journey. With the release of The Key’s Within, Tríona recognises and celebrates those friendships… in Tríona’s own words 'love and thanks!'” – Irishmusic.com

http://www.trionanidhomhnaill.com/newcd.html