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
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
Karan I was at Blackstone, have long followed you. Some time ago I used This Song Goes On in eulogy for my dearest friend. When you closed your night with it the wonder of the words coursed within and the warmth of the truth of it all soothed. Thank you and your new disc is the trojan horse America should embrace. Your challenge to us is heard. So many of us are blooded to you and yours. We do hear and we do need your words.
Hi Karan, I've become a fan of yours since watching you on the Transatlantic Sessions, stunning performances and what a fantastic programme. I really loved your performance of Black is the Colour. All the best Alison :-)
...many thanks for becoming friends and taking pleasure in our tunes...the spirit of Durga is with you and there will always be Eight Arms To Hold You...
Sorry for the delay in the message. Hope you don’t mind…
When we truly let go of past hurts, hang-ups and disappointments and choose to live in the moment, in the now, in the PRESENT, life truly can be a GIFT.
Hope you liked this one. :)
Also, if you like these, shoot me comments letting me know, join me on my Facebook page and when I send you a link to my website once it gets finished next week, be sure to go it and sign up and I’ll send these to you there as well. Take care
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
