One of the most influential – and most imitated – voices in folk music, Karan Casey is a natural innovator. More than a decade ago American audiences were introduced to Casey fronting the Irish “supergroup” Solas. Following their groundbreaking early releases Casey struck out on her own. That decision was based on an independent spirit determined to control her touring schedule and committed to maintaining a family life. That family has now grown (her second child, Áine, was born in May of 2006), as has her solo discography.
As well as touring constantly throughout North America and Europe with her own band, Karan has been involved in many other varied projects and collaborations. A frequent guest on Garrison Keillor’s ‘A Prairie Home Companion’, Casey joined their December 2006 broadcasts from New York’s Town Hall. 2006 also saw her spotlighted on the Solas “Reunion” CD, and as a guest vocalist for another well-known Irish group, Lunasa, as well as joining Peggy Seeger in a special “Songs of Conscience” program at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections Festival. In the first half of 2007 she has appeared with the legendary Liam Clancy and was involved in a DVD project in New York with Mick Moloney and Paul Wagner. Last summer saw more performances with Solas and Lunasa, as well as collaborations with pianist/composer Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin and with Breton guitarist Gilles le Bigot’s ‘Voix de la Terre’ project.
New ventures for 2008 include The Vallely Brother’s Big Band, Karan and Seamus Egan’s new project involving Aoife O’Donovan and Lau, and Niall Vallely’s “Turas na dTaoiseach/Flight of the Earl’s” event, which was premiered in Belfast’s Grand Opera House in November 2007 and is to be repeated during 2008 in Louvain, Belgium.
Karan has just completed her fifth solo album entitled “Ships in the Forest”. Produced once again by Donald Shaw, the new album focuses largely on the traditional repertoire. The album was recorded at Karan’s home in County Cork and features the members of her current touring band, Caoimhín Vallely (piano), Kate Ellis (cello) and Robbie Overson (guitar) along with some special guests, including Kris Drever and Niall and Cillian Vallely. It has been released in the US, Ireland and France and will be released in the UK on July 21st.
"Ships in the Forest" is available worldwide now from our online store - Crow
Valley Music
Hey karan I've just uploaded some new songs on my myspace...
What do you suggest in terms of production? This is work in progress...it's mostly live with us all playing together and we need to fanny around with it a bit... we would value your expert opinion... before we get around to finishing them...
