The Achill Sound is a collection of musicians and voices, from Achill Island, Co Mayo, Ireland.
The album ‘Isle Of The Eagle’ features new and traditional music, spoken word, and storytelling recorded on Achill Island.
Musician Graham Sweeney is a passionate advocate of his native place, and embarked on this project when one of the remaining great storytellers of the island, John ‘Twin’ McNamara introduced him to an Achill song, 'Isle Of The Eagle’ written by the governess of the Pike Estate, Glendarary in the 1800s.
Struck by the many island connections to the title track, Graham and producer John Michael Berry, whose family also hails from the island, were inspired to record a full album of songs and stories with the cream of Achill musical talent.
Musicians and instrument makers have gravitated to Achill for years, many of whom have contributed to this album. Renowned harpist Laoise Kelly, German cellist Claudia Dunkleberg, and Japanese fiddle player Lisa Fukuda joined Achill musicians Diarmuid Gielty, Alan Hughes, Des Cafferkey, Dermot Maguire, Caoilte O'Cuanaigh, Leah McNamara and uilleann piper, Johnny Butler for the recording. The album was mastered by Head Engineer Alex Borwick at Grouse Lodge Recording Studios.
credits
released August 11, 2023
Graham Sweeney (Guitar / Vocals)
John 'Twin' McNamara (History)
John Butler (Uilleann Pipes / Whistle)
Lisa Fukuda (Fiddle)
Alan Hughes (Bouzouki / Guitar)
Diarmuid Gielty (Fiddle)
Francie McNamara (History)
Dermot Maguire (Vocals)
Des Cafferkey (Whistle / Flute)
Laoise Kelly (Harp)
Claudia Dunkelberg (Cello)
Tom Lynch (Uilleann Pipes)
Caoilte O'Cuanaigh (Guitar / Banjo)
Leah McNamara (Accordian)
Aideen Gielty (Accordian)
Nollaig McLoughlin (Accordian)
Tiarnan O' Duinnchinnn (Uilleann Pipes)
Kev Sheridan (Bodhrán)
The Achill Sound is a collection of musicians and voices, from Achill Island, Co
Mayo.
‘Isle Of The Eagle’ is an album of new and traditional music, spoken word and storytelling recorded on Achill Island by a group of Achill based musicians....more
supported by 5 fans who also own “Isle of the Eagle”
Two amazing musicians in their own right, put them together and the result is even greater than the sum of the parts.
The goal to capture, "live," energy is achieved, such a great album! PipingJim
supported by 5 fans who also own “Isle of the Eagle”
This is so great - from the orchestrations to the amazing mix of friends involved. I love that there's music from all the bands musical roots as well - it's really lovely to hear some Cornish music!
I LOVE IT! epacker
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