James Kennedy & Tony O' Flaherty are Avatar .
The Avatar Massive consists of :Martin Leahy (Drums );Laurie Hedger(Drums); Dick O' Shea (Drums);Donie Moore (Drums) ; Dan Walsh (Drums on Live Shows );Paul Dunlea(Trombone);Roy Kelleher(Trumpet); Paul Frost(Bass Trombone);Nick Kirwan (Trumpet);Martin Scharer(Percussion);Eamon Cagney(Percussion); Aine Whelan (vocals);Pat Johnson(Vocals); Mary O'Regan(Vocals);Phil Wheeler(spoken word);Nick Moloney(Keyboards and Guitar on live shows) ;Gary Keane(Guitar on live shows).
Influences
See the considerable list of influences in the blog!
Sounds Like
A unique blend of 70's Dub Reggae and Jazz ;both relaxing and uplifting (Bass Guitar Magazine).
Avatar consists of , James Kennedy on bass guitar and guitar and Tony O'Flaherty on sax, flute and keys. James write the tunes and Tony records them. Production and arranging are shared. Extra musicians are added to the mix as required(The Avatar Massive).
Stylistically the music is a fusion of 70's Dub Reggae and Jazz. Further inspiration comes from Kerry's incredible landscape and years of 'sitting quietly'. These factors combine to give Avatar's music its own very unique sound..'a rich ,beautiful and melodic sound ...It's impossible not to be moved by musicians so obviously on top of their game,with music born of life,love and spirituality.'(Jason O ' Mahony,Artistic Director ,Samhlaíocht) .
BASS GUITAR MAGAZINE – Issue 25 – July/August 2006-06-26
We don’t often publish reviews of new music from unknown bands or artists, but having made an unprecedented executive decision, I hereby offer you a fabulous album Summa Iru.
The album is essentially an instrumental dub album , but also contains strong melodies and a diverse array of instrumentation. The album is enchantingly soothing, yet motivating and uplifting. The force behind the project is James Kennedy who used his ’75 reissue Fender Jazz, plugged straight into the studio desk. Check it out – I think you’ll like it. – (Steve Harvey )......
I keep playing this album over and over. I find it both musically intricate and a joy to listen to. It is beautifully recorded and composed. The standard of musicianship cannot be faulted. If you haven’t heard it then give your ears a treat now!...(Del Palmer).
NEW ALBUM 'LIKE RIVER TO OCEAN NOW AVAILABLE',(just click on cdbaby link in the left hand column!')
What the critics say about 'Like River To Ocean':
With strong melodies adding to the appeal ,Avatar are surely on a winner with this their second release...Throughout earthy and simple grooves abound ,accentuating Kennedy's obvious gift for melody.At all times the Brass section lends a richness of tone .Original ,tuneful ,danceable and highly entertaining,Like River to Ocean is a most enriching experience.'(Gerry Quinn ,Irish Examiner)'
A welcome change from most Irish rock..superb Brass and handsomely tasty guitar ..Avatar bring a bright sound to these darkling days'(Jackie Hayden ,Hot Press).
Hi my friend, Here my new song "Corcovado" hope you like Brasil... and don't forget Epsilon's World cannot exist without you so don't hesitate to leave comment if you like a lot :) Welcome to the Epsilon's World... Friendly Epsilon You can buy my album here www.cykxincorp.com
Bonjour mon ami, Mon nouveau morceau "Corcovado" j'espère que tu aimes le Brésil... et n'oubli jamais de soutenir ma musique en faisant un commentaire si tu aimes vraiment car le monde d'Epsilon ne peut exister sans toi:) Amicalement Epsilon tu peux acheter mon album ici www.cykxincorp.com
howerya james?? i was just mailing you when i saw your message thanks alot was great to meet you and the guys too twas was great day/night really enjoyed it, had a peek at the tapes, were lookin good - fair play!!! Peace for now a chara
Interesting music here as usual! Keep it up!
Preview for all tracks of my debut album Symbiosis of Contradictions are now available on my myspace page through zimbalam player. Mp3 release is now available in all the major stores worldwide.
Greetings from the snowy Moscow/Russia
/Ivan
A little prayer for strength for the coming week...............
Please untie the knots thjat are in my mind, my heart and my life. Remonve the nots and the cannot and do nots that i have in my heart. Release me from the could nots and should nots that obstruct my life. and most of all God, I ask you to remove from my heart and life all of the am nots that i have allowed to hold me back especially the thoughts that i am not good enough.
I feel very happy to have you as my friend in my page... Nice to meet you on myspace.. we always really appreciate your comments and positivity! Thank you and wishing you a great day!
Hi James - thanks for the kind words, Enjoying the sounds of Like River to Ocean - sublime brass arrangements! Good luck with current plans. Bass & Drum army!! Ryan Twilight
Thank you for your friendship! Awesome music!! Kingdom, Heart of Wisdom and Jnana are my favorite pieces. Many thanks for sharing I wish you all the success Assale