Ever wondered who was behind the haunting flute solos in the Lord of the Rings movies? While flautist Alan Doherty reached by far his biggest audiences through that role, he also makes beautiful music with Gráda, one of the best of the next generation of groups mining the rich traditions of Irish music. They distinguish themselves from the flock by combining those influences with a hint of jazz, and even more diverse world music influences, yet without ever losing the Irish essence.
Based in Dublin and Galway, Ireland, the group began playing together in 2001. Doherty comes from Tallaght, just outside Dublin; lead singer Nicola Joyce, who also plays bodhrán and fiddle, is from Galway in the west of Ireland. Fiddler Colin Farrell grew up in the in the thriving Irish music scene of Manchester, England, and recorded with fellow innovative Irish band Flook before joining Gráda. Double bass player New Zealander Andrew Laking has a background playing jazz as well as Irish music and studying guitar making in Canada. Guitarist Gerry Paul was born in Dublin, grew up in New Zealand, and now lives in Galway. The group has worked with a wide range of musicians,including Dave Hingerty (ex-drummer for the Frames, now working withJosh Ritter); Vyviene Long (cellist with Damien Rice); and producer Trevor Hutchinson (Lúnasa, Sharon Shannon, The Waterboys).
Gráda's latest album Cloudy Day Navigation beautifully illustrates the blossoming strengths of the group, with thrilling interpretations of traditional classics, original compositions, and choice covers of ballads from contemporary songriters Suzanne Vega and Susan McKeown. Highly recommended for fans of Flook, The Waterboys, and Lúnasa --and, really, anyone who loves great musicianship!
Ever wondered who was behind the haunting flute solos in the Lord of the Rings movies? While flautist Alan Doherty reached by far his biggest audiences through that role, he also makes beautiful music with Gráda, one of the best of the next generation of groups mining the rich traditions of Irish music. They distinguish themselves from the flock by combining those influences with a hint of jazz, and even more diverse world music influences, yet without ever losing the Irish essence. 
Post new comment