Paul is an outstanding singer from Glasgow. His debut album was released in 2007. The album draws from the rich traditions of Scottish and Irish music and blends it with modern rock and contemporary songwriting. After only a few years Paul has gained the respect of some of the UKs top folk musicians and continues to impress listeners up and down the country. He takes influence from great folk performers including Paul Brady, Christy Moore, Dick Gaughan, The Waterboys and Donal Lunny and also contemporary artists such as Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.
David McNee
is an exciting new talent from Glasgow, Scotland. A multi-instrumentalist, he favours a contemporary approach but uses traditional instruments such as mandolin and bouzouki to achieve a modern robust sound. He recently and featured on Irish singer Mary Kathleen Burke's album “A song in her heart” which was released through Greentrax Recordings and is available in all good record stores. He is currently working with producer and drummer Fergus Mackenzie of the Finlay Macdonald Band on a new album which will be completed in 2008.
Ruairidh Macmillan
Originally from Nairn, near Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, Ruairidh plays fiddle in various trad,folk and ceilidh bands, including 'The Ceilidh Experience' as well as fronting 'The Rua Macmillan Band', with Tia Fyles and Adam Brown. Having been taught by Bruce Macgregor, Alpha Munro, Sharon Hassan, and most notably, Aonghas Grant Snr - the great Left-handed fiddler from Lochaber, Rua is currently studying towards a B.A. (Scottish Music) degree at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, and has already toured extensively in the UK and Europe, as well as Canada, South America and the Faeroe Islands. Flute, Whistles.
Seán Gray
Seán's involvement in the folk and traditional music scene goes back to the tender age of nine when with his sister Robyn he attended his first folk club. Throughout his early teens Seán with his Sister Robyn played at various clubs and festivals through out Scotland. Seán's final year of secondary school was spent at the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music at Plockton High School in the Western Highlands. His flare for arranging songs and tunes is evident in his own band ‘Kin' who have received great success recently performing at various festivals in 2007.
Ewan Baird
Ewan comes from a family long involved in the folk scene. Ewan took up the bodhrán only three years ago and in that time has developed a unique style of playing to a standard which is both impressive and the envy of many players. He also playes Cajon, Guitar and whistles alongside Seán Gray in ‘Kin' and his unique style of playing is both effective and sympathetic to the music of the Paul McKenna Band.
Influences
Paul Brady,Dick Gaughan, Led Zeppelin, Donal Lunny, Christy Moore, Waterboys, Tony McManus, Andy Irvine, Nirvana, Dougie McClean, Fairport Convention, Sandy Denny, Pink Floyd, Smashing Pumpkins, John Martyn, Neil Young, Crosby Stills and Nash, Brian McNeill, Lyra Celtica, JSD Band, Planxty, Davy Steele, Ralph McTell, Lunasa, The Bothy Band, Altan, Tim O'Brien, Darrell Scott, Malinky, Jim McGill, Aaron Jones
"Some of the most talented young musicians in Scotland" Moniaive Folk Festival
"an outstanding voice with individual style" Frank Hennessey BBC Radio Wales
"Take My Hand is one of the most powerful songs we have ever played" Michael Brothwell BBC Radio York
"Paul McKenna has a voice that will stay with you, a haunting quality that can make the most ordinary of songs memorable"
Combining their love for traditional and folk music as well as original songs and tunes the Paul McKenna Band have been playing to audiences throughout the UK since 2006.
With a contemporary approach to songs, although not straying too far from their roots, their arrangements are both fresh and innovative.
Their exciting sound is created through outstanding vocals, driving Guitar and Bouzouki, intense Fiddle playing, a warm pairing of Flute and Whistles and dynamic Bodhrán and percussion.
Im afraid I have to randomize my online myspace friends as they are all my best friends. Surely you understand that? If you see Mr (Big) Dave Gibb over the weekend, behave yourself this time - nae buckfast right! That poor man is tired of looking after you bunch of winos. Honestly, can you not take a leaf out of my book - you don't need alcohol to enjoy yourselves. :)
hey paul! what fine music-- a unique approach. really appreciate learning about you. let me know if you can make it. it would be cool to meet you one day.
peace out from san fran and *thanks* again. Brian Gore -- IGN
Apparently Bratach Bana actually translates as white flag, and the song is about a ship. So unfortunately we can't use it's meaning as previously disscussed. La dee da my Backside Boy-o!! lol
Hello Paul, what a great sound! I look forward to your new album. When will it come out? I hope, you will give some live-shows in Germany. Best wishes, Axel, Caledonix.
Hello Paul Thanks for the add !!! I'm visiting Scotland in October (can't wait) I see your playing at Sterling the 20th I hope to catch the show (I'm changing my plans for the 20th time but it's cool) ;) All The BEST xxxxxx Jules xx
Hello me auld son. How are you? I was playing some of your songs for my aunt today in the car and she loved your voice. I've launched a campaign to get you lot to make me one of your top friends. I'm tired of being Billy Nae Mates on the internet. You should relegate Sean and/or Ewan to promote me! What do you say? Heh heh.
hi paul, everyone had a ball at the festival, there was a really good atmosphere throw out the village during the weekend. I’m really glad you enjoyed yourself. There were still people camping on the Monday !!! the weather just topped the weekend off.
Hi Thanks so much for the add on your page..best wishes from Cork City Ireland ...i hope your well hope you get some time to check out my songs..thanks again