Melody Maker

Seamus Egan, at 26, is considered one of the best Irish musicians in the world. He seems equally at ease on the banjo, bodhran or tin whistle, and is also an acclaimed guitarist. 

At the tender age of 15, Egan had won the all-Ireland competition on four separate instruments: flute, tin whistle, banjo and mandolin, a feat never before – or since – accomplished. Egan has appeared as a soloist with the National Symphony, and has played with numerous famous musicians. He wrote the soundtrack for the award-winning movie, The Brothers McMullen, and his playing was featured prominently on the soundtrack to the PBS documentary Out of Ireland. 

He is not a purist, yet his innovative style seems totally at home with traditional music. “I hold great importance in the melody,” Egan said. “Even as I try to innovate, I don’t want to lose that. Melodically, if you just read it off the page, Irish music can seem very simple. But that doesn’t represent the true nature of the melody. In Irish music, I’ve always felt that the idea is how much you can do while maintaining the integrity of the initial melody.” 

Seamus Egan has brought joy to countless numbers of fans during his musical career, and intends to keep doing so.