The launch of Líadan’s second CD, Casadh na Taoide/Turning the Tide marks their fifth anniversary as a band. Described by Hotpress Magazine as ‘wildly talented’ and as being ‘The next major global force in Irish traditional music’ by New York’s Irish Echo, Líadan’s mesmerising singing and creative instrumental music have been captivating audiences at home in Ireland and abroad since the band’s formation in Spring 2004. Blending together their rich musical backgrounds, these six talented young ladies create a fresh and exciting sound that explores both traditional and new material. From Galway and Limerick this inspiring all-female band comprises of six members: Síle Denvir, harpist; Deirdre Chawke, piano accordion; Elaine Cormican, whistles. Valerie Casey and Claire Dolan, fiddles; Catherine Clohessy, flute.
The uniqueness of Líadan lies in the deeply traditional essence of their music and in each band member’s ability to shine both instrumentally and vocally. Líadan’s stage presence exudes a group personality that is both vibrant and engaging. Their tune playing features striking string and reed rhythms and accompaniments while always keeping the melody central to their arrangements. Coupled with that, the members are highly talented vocalists, displaying an astounding ability to move audiences with their settings of traditional and sean-nós song in the Gaelic and English language, using acapella, harmonies and instrumental arrangements.
Líadan’s distinctive and innovative sound has won them such prestigious awards as ‘Best Live Band’ at the Lorient Interceltic Festival, 2005, and ‘Best Vocal Group’ at the International Pan Celtic Festival, 2005. Following the huge success of their debut album, which was launched in September 2006, the band was invited to tour America and Japan with The Chieftains. They have also played at prestigious venues and festivals such as Carnegie Hall, Áras an Uachtaráin, Milwaukee Irish Festival, Icons Festival, The World Fleadh, Richmond Folk Festival, EBU Folk Festival and the North Texas Irish Festival. Líadan performed on Ireland’s favourite chat show, The Late Late Show in October 2007 and they were also featured on Up for the Match earlier that year.
Líadan’s musical and vocal prowess, their ability to move effortlessly between Irish and English language song, and the traditionally rooted core of their music makes them a force to be reckoned within the Irish traditional band stakes.
Click on the PayPal icon to buy Líadan's debut album
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.
PLEASE read my Bulletin Post, and PLEASE sign the petition below, and post on your page to gather as many signatures as possible to obtain justice for my brother who was murdered, had his body bought and sold, and for all of the families who are still begging for answers to what happened to our loved ones! This is a gruesome and wicked reality, and these crimes against humanity MUST be exposed!
Its been a while and we thought it was about time we updated you on what we've been up to. Our debut EP Little World is now available at our gigs and will soon be available from our myspace and facebook pages, you will also be able to download it from itunes, but we don't have a release date for this as yet.
To celebrate the fact that we have now reached 25,000 plays on myspace, we are giving you a free MP3 of Rockabye Baby. All you have to do is send your email address to queen.elvis@yahoo.ie and we will send it to you.
We have spent the last year rehearsing with a full band and are now ready to bring it on the road. You can get a look at us when we appear on Balcony TV this week with the full line up. We are currently taking bookings for gigs/concerts/festivals and can be contacted on the email above, or through our myspace and facebook pages.
Thankyou for your continued support in what has been a great year for us!
Online Now!
