Back in February 2012 we interviewed Iarla Ó Lionaird for the release of Foxlight (read it here). In that interview he spoke passionately about The Gloaming project which also features Thomas Bartlett (aka Doveman, a long term collaborator of Sam Amidon), Dennis Cahill, Martin Hayes and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh. These five virtuoso musicians first met to explore new music at West Grouse Lodge Studios in West Meath, Ireland, in early 2011. They each have their own unique perspective along with a rich field of musical knowledge. They are no strangers to collaborations and their open-minded approach brought, along with a mass of creativity, a different take on the rich musical heritage and traditions of ‘The music’. On the project Iarla told Folk Radio UK:
“This is a project that’s very dear to my heart, as most of my colleagues in The Gloaming are old friends whom I’d worked with over the years on other projects. But also I love the sound we have been able to create as a band. It’s unique stuff I think, and I am looking forward to playing more and more shows…”
Live reviews have since confirmed the uniqueness of the project, it has taken Irish music into a fascinating upward curve with a rising new interest to match. It would be no exaggeration to treat the project as a key milestone in the long history of the Irish music. The Glaoming’s self-titled début album is to be released via Real World Records on 20th Jan 2014 followed by performances at Celtic Connections, Sage Gateshead and London’s Union Chapel. Here’s a taster of what’s to come:
The Irish Times described the music as ‘of an entirely different hue: neither slavishly traditional nor wilfully contemporary.’
In case you missed our post the Irish Times also gave away a free EP download titled ‘Live in Dublin’ which offered “a masterful slice of their debut sold-out show at the National Concert Hall, Dublin”. Here it is again:
January 2014 Live Dates
Wed 22: City Halls (Celtic Connections) Glasgow Venue & tickets
Thu 23: Sage Gateshead, Newcastle
Fri 24: Union Chapel, London