Ian Worpole talks to Solas stalwarts Seamus Egan and Winifred Horan, and meets the band’s newest member, Mairéad Phelan. As I’ve mentioned in past columns, Irish-American legends Solas are probably the most lauded of all Celtic bands out there today, and quite right too. Now in their second decade, and with an exciting new singer, Mairéad Phelan, the band has a scorching new … [Read more...] about Love, Laughter and Solas
Music Archives
Still Fiddlin’ Away
From his days with The Bothy Band, some thirty years ago now, to the present, Kevin Burke, who was born in London to Irish parents, has been one of the most widely admired fiddlers on the Irish traditional and contemporary music scene. As an individual performer and as a member of acclaimed bands such as Patrick Street and Celtic Fiddle Festival, Burke, who now makes his home … [Read more...] about Still Fiddlin’ Away
Ashley Davis: Finding Herself Through Her Past
By Ian Worpole, Contributor
August / September 2008
August / September 2008
Ashley Davis has only released one CD so far, but it’s a gem, garnering her much attention in the Irish musical community. Ian: Ashley, you’re a resident of New York City, but right now you’re over in Ireland recording your new CD. Tell us all about it. Ashley: I dreamed for years about going back to Ireland to record an album. Even though I live in New York, I feel like one … [Read more...] about Ashley Davis: Finding Herself Through Her Past
Trad Music is a Family Affair
By Ian Warpole, Contributor
June / July 2008
June / July 2008
A couple of years ago I went along to my regular Sunday session in Rhinecliff, New York to hear The McCarthy Brothers, and I have never been quite the same since. The three brothers and a few friends tore through reels, jigs and songs with a virtuosity and joy I’ve yet to hear again, except when I have the luck to catch them playing in New York City. I got to know the … [Read more...] about Trad Music is a Family Affair
U2 Has Gone 3D
By Veronica Blake
June / July 2008
June / July 2008
U23D, the new movie of the world’s favorite Irish band shot using the latest 3D technology, wouldn’t have happened without the American connection. The crowd gathering outside Cineworld on a freezing cold night in February is eagerly awaiting the arrival of U2 who chose their home town of Dublin to premiere their new film U23D. As they stroll up the red carpet, sporting 3D … [Read more...] about U2 Has Gone 3D