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Idir press releaseAt First Light are set to literally light the way for authentic Irish Traditional music this decade with their debut album, ‘Idir’. Masterful musicianship from John McSherry, Dónal O’Connor, Francis McIlduff and their guests, the finest in the Celtic world, explores fresh perspectives on the living tradition. Each member of the trio has influenced Celtic folk music, from featuring on Grammy-award winning recordings to collaborating live with the world’s greatest folk and contemporary artists. Their album is aptly titled ‘Idir’ – Gaelic for between and among, and reflects their growing status as leading luminaries on the international stage. In 2001, when Lúnasa founders John McSherry and Michael McGoldrick recorded their acclaimed album ‘At First Light’, festival demands required a gigging outfit. In came ‘Dundalk fiddle prodigy’ Dónal O’Connor and Belfast guitarist Paul McSherry, of Tamalin fame – a hectic touring schedule ensued. 2006 saw the release of ‘Tripswitch’, described by Living Tradition as ‘Acoustic Perfection’. The album brought McSherry and O’Connor together, for the first time, with the Uilleann piping and bodhrán skills of Francis McIlduff of the McPeake clan. It was during these sessions that the group, At First Light, was born. Duelling Uilleann pipes became a feature of the band’s gigs, a unique dimension to their sound not heard since the heady days of Moving Hearts. 2010 saw At First Light collaborate with the world renowned guitarist Bob Brozman, to produce the critically lauded ‘Six Days in Down’. That same year, At First Light introduced guest singer and fiddle player Ciara McCrickard to enthusiastic audiences at concerts throughout Ireland and Europe. Ciara carries the pedigree of the great Ulster song tradition into the new millennium, having learned at the feet of many of the masters. Her crystalline tone and intricate turns, combined with her vocal honesty, bring to audiences, a voice that only comes along once in a generation. As collaborators with Clannad, Donal Lunny, Moya Brennan, The Corrs or Sinead O’Connor, or as highly respected players in the traditional field, Idir symbolizes each individual member’s willingness to embrace the ever evolving genre that is traditional Irish music. From the plaintive call of the great Ulster anthem Aird Uí Chuain to the Iberian swing of El Garrotín, an Asturian piping tune now part of the Flamenco tradition, At First Light display their diverse tastes and ability to delve into the different Celtic traditions. As well as beautiful arranged traditional pieces, the album also includes several original compositions from the members. Rolling in Rosemount is a tip of the hat to the Sliabh Luachra, Polka and Slide masters, Tara’s Temper features Irish phrasing in a typically Breton rhythm, Ar Thóir an Donn is a traditional reel written in reference to the legendary Irish tale, Táin Bó Cúailnge whilst The Pipers of Roguery is a fiery piece, featuring the sound of duelling Uilleann Pipes, unique to the band. Idir is an amalgamation of skill and understanding, friendship and musicianship; the new joinery of Irish traditional and Celtic music, pinned down with an authenticity and energy not yet seen on the global stage. Physical copies of ‘Idir’ come with a password to access bonus material from the At First Light website, including:
BiographyIn 2001, Lúnasa alumni John McSherry and Michael McGoldrick put their creative energies to good use in what would become a critically acclaimed collaborative recording. The album, ‘At First Light’, became and instant top-seller worldwide and was voted by Irish American News readers as 2001′s ‘Best Traditional Album of the Year’. The duo were awarded with huge touring demand and called upon the services of good friends and fiddle player Dónal O’Connor and guitarist Paul McSherry. Suffice to say, a hefty touring schedule ensued for the quartet. Michael left the band to pursue his solo career a short while later, and the uilleann piping and bodhrán skills of Francis McIlduff (of the famous McPeake clan) were brought into the mix. Duelling pipes became a feature of the band at live gigs, bringing new dimension to the group. In 2006, the critically acclaimed album ‘Tripswitch’ was released. Described as ‘Acoustic Perfection’ by Living Tradition magazine, the album featured the talents of two newcomers; Dublin’s Tony Byrne on guitar and Ruben Bada of the Asturies on Bouzouki. Throughout the band’s life, various guitar and bouzouki players have passed through the ranks, including Tony and Ruben and Paul McSherry, Alan Burke and, of recent, Michael McCague. While the band has always remained constant with John, Dónal and Francis at its core, these fine string players have, in a way, become associate members, performing and recording with the trio when opportunity arises. 2010 saw At First Light collaborate with another great guitar player, the world renowned Bob Brozman, to produce the critically lauded album ‘Six Days in Down’. Influential BBC broadcaster DJ Ritu described the album as ‘one of the most impressive cds to fly through my letter-box this year’, whilst Irish Times journalist Siobhan Long gave the album a four-star rating, heralding it as a ‘Strapping collection of tunes’. That same year, At First Light introduced guest singer Ciara McCrickard to enthusiastic audiences at concerts throughout Ireland and Europe. Her crystalline tone and intricate turns, combined with her vocal honesty, bring to audiences, a voice that only comes along once in a generation. Mixing traditional songs with the power and delicacy of duelling pipes, fiddle, whistles, guitar, bouzouki and bodhrán, At First Light create a sonic landscape that takes the audience on a journey of discovery from the roots to the future of the Irish tradition. “At First Light are surely one of those special pioneering acts who push the boundaries and redraw the map. And that can’t be a bad thing. For five very experienced and knowledgeable artists at the peak of their creativity, the future looks bright. And given that we are witnessing the birth of something special, something exciting and exceptionally vigorous, we would be wise to take heed.” Irish Music Magazine
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