Sliabh Notes in Concert
Concerts
- Date
- 19 April 2008
- Time
- 9:00 PM
- Location
- Cois na hAbhna
- Address
- Gort Road
- Town
- Ennis
- County
- Co. Clare
- Contact
- Doreen Norris
- Phone
- 065 6824276
Cois na hAbhna is proud to host the great South-West of Ireland traditional group, Sliabh Notes in concert on Saturday, 19 April. Formed in 1995, the group features box player Dónal Murphy from Abbeyfeale, fiddle player Matt Cranitch from Cork, and Tommy O’Sullivan from Dingle on guitar. These virtuoso musicians are noted for their electrifying performances and their repertoire always includes some of the great music from the Sliabh Luachra area.
Since the group was formed, they have released three albums, and have established an enviable reputation for their high-quality traditional music. They have played at many venues throughout Ireland, and have also performed at major festivals, including Milwaukee Irish Fest, the largest Irish festival in the world, North Texas Irish Festival in Dallas, Copenhagen Irish Festival in Denmark, Torino Festival in Italy, Camden Festival in London, Castlewellan Celtic Fusion Festival, and Ballyshannon International Folk Festival. At all these events, Sliabh Notes and their music, which has been described as ‘having a distinctive regional flavour but with international appeal’, were given a very enthusiastic reception.
In the November 2000 issue of Irish Music Magazine, their performances at Milwaukee Irish Fest were reviewed by Betsy Ener, Director of North Texas Irish Festival, and she had this to say;- “Sliabh Notes outstandingly represents Ireland’s Sliabh Luachra region and they also get my award for one of the best Irish band names. I can only hope they’ll be touring Stateside more often and very soon. I’m a fan but who wouldn’t be when the music is this good?”
At the heart of the Sliabh Notes sound is the playing of Dónal Murphy on accordion, and Matt Cranitch on fiddle, who in the words of Paul Dromey, Folk Columnist of the Evening Echo, “have proved themselves to be one of the finest and most electrifying Sliabh Luachra-style box and fiddle duos you could wish to hear.” Added to this is the versatile guitar-playing and unique singing of Tommy O’Sullivan. The result is a dynamic mix of exciting traditional music that is vibrant, powerful and compelling. Nuala O’Connor has said in the Irish Times; “It is difficult not to be carried away by this music.”
Sliabh Luachra is well-known for its unique style of Irish traditional music, particularly its distinctive repertoire of slides and polkas. The area has long been an inspiration and source of influence for Dónal, Matt and Tommy, and this is reflected in their concert repertoire and recordings. Their most recent recording, Along Blackwater’s Banks (OSS CD 130), includes some wonderful music from the area, as well as exciting tunes and songs from other sources. It also features a number of special guests;- Kevin Burke, Steve Cooney, Matt Molloy, Brian McGrath, Colm Murphy, Liam Ó Maonlaí. This album has been highly praised, and has received much critical acclaim, including the following;-
“… these reels take on new life and luster in the brilliant playing afforded them here by Sliabh Notes … This is one that should not be missed.” – Sally Somers Smith, Irish Music Magazine.
“One of the best albums to be released this year so far comes form Sliabh Notes.” – Irish Post.
“Magnificent.” – Siobhán Long, Irish Times.
“Past, present and future of Irish music, all encapsulated in one single album.” – http://worldzone.net/music/rudall/
“And the result is one of the must-have albums, not just of 2002, but of all time.” – Pay The Reckoning
