Daoirí Farrell – A Lifetime of Happiness
Out on 15 February 2019
Hurling is probably as important a part of Irish heritage as music is – the origins of both are certainly equally lost in time. When Dublin singer Daoirí Farrell was asked to choose a song for a radio documentary celebrating Galway’s victory in the 2017 All Ireland final, he chose The Galway Shawl. Daoirí (pronounced ‘Derry’) chose the same song to open his third solo album, A Lifetime of Happiness, and the gentle opening of guitar and fiddle blending with his rich voice is a captivating start to the album. Daoirí sings as if every word is savoured, and his decorative, precise style feels as natural as walking. With Pat Daly’s fiddle, and the album’s producer Dónal Lunny on guitar it’s a beautifully rich, and mellow, start to the album.
Daoirí first started singing in Dublin’s Góilin Singers Club, while working as an electrician. From 2008, he ceased being an electrician and devoted himself to the study of traditional music at colleges all over Ireland and graduated with a Masters in Irish Music Performance from the University of Limerick. During this time he released his debut album The First Turn in 2009 (reviewed here). He was introduced to the singing of the late Liam Weldon by Fintan Vallely in Dundalk’s IT music degree course whose songs inspired him and continue to do so.
Daoirí’s passion for the work of the great Irish singers of the 20th century is reflected in the songs he’s been inspired to sing on A Lifetime of Happiness. It was Dónal Lunny who introduced him to Frank Harte’s rendition of The Connery’s – a transportation song from the Comeragh mountains. Daoirí’s voice over Dónal’s eerie harmonium reflects the power of the lyrics, as the singer decries the lies of his accusers – “I fear their perjured souls are in the lowest holes”, and Avril Crotty’s cello adds a depth that’s perfectly countered by Pat’s fiddle harmonies. The ballad of Valentine O’Hara was also learned from Frank Harte. Opening with Mark Redmond’s Uilleann pipes at a rakish pace, there’s an added spring to the boastful Valentine’s step from Tara Finn’s concertina.
These carefully crafted arrangements are a joy to listen to, but it’s Daoirí’s rich, natural voice that really shines through. It’s a voice that has also grabbed the attention of the judges in a wealth of competitions. At the 2013 Fleadh, Daoirí won the All Ireland Champion Singer award and in 2015, as part of Irish trad quartet FourWinds, the Celtic Connections Danny Kyle Award. A solo live session on the BBC Radio 2 Folk Show soon followed, and after his second album True Born Irishman (reviewed here), in 2017 he won Best Traditional Track (Van Diemen’s Land) and the Horizon Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
In There’s The Day, a gorgeous drinking song learned from Cathal McConnell, that voice rings out clear and true, with only a soft harmonium for accompaniment; until a fine vocal ensemble (which includes Góilín club singer Máire Ní Chróinín) joins the chorus. The song is partnered by A Pint of Plain. Also known as The Workman’s Friend, the song positively swings along to Seán Garvey’s accordion and Robbie Walsh’s bodhrán. Cathal McConnell also inspired Daoirí’s rendition of the beautiful Co. Monaghan love song, Sweet Portadown. A love song with a happy ending, furnished with an even more contented air by Peter Browne’s accordion flourishes, while John Conneely’s Rosie Reilly provides a more earthy tale of love.
The Hills of Granemore came from a childhood influence, Al O’Donnell. Daoirí sang The Creggan White Hare on The First Turn; and The Granemore Hare (it rejoices in, and deserves, both titles on the album) offers a similar, though rather less celebratory, tale. Rolling along as a gentle march with the lightest, freshest whistle harmonies from Seán Potts; the mood is lifted beautifully towards the close by a gorgeous pipe/accordion duet.
Alan Bell has been a prolific writer and fine singer for over forty years. He is known in particular as the founder and director of Fylde Festival, and Daoirí seems to relish the chance to add his nostalgic Windmills to the album. To close the album, though, Daoirí returns to his original muse, Liam Weldon. The compelling and intriguing love song Via Extasia seems to come from another world, with rich strings to accompany Daoirí’s plaintive vocal for the complex melody. An exceptional love song, delivered with a passion that seems to close the album with a heartfelt sigh…
And were you then the last wild leaf, upon the autumn bough,
And I the wind, a wanton thief, to blow as I blow now,
And when you fall, as fall you must, oh, I to be the waiting dust,
Beyond sorrow, grief, or lust, to lie here forever, truly one.
(Liam Weldon)
It’s little wonder that Daoirí Farrell is in such demand with so many artists. Since that 2009 debut he’s performed with Christy Moore, Dónal Lunny, Martin Hayes, Dennis Cahill, Danú, Dervish, Julie Fowlis, Arty McGlynn, Kíla, Sean Keane – the list goes on. Last year he toured the UK with Transatlantic Sessions, and as a solo artist, he seems to go from strength to strength, returning to Celtic Connections last week, to lead a host of friends in The Dublin Session at City Halls.
A Lifetime of Happiness confirms that progression, with songs that are delivered with infinite care and deep affection; and intricate arrangements that never take centre stage. It’s a perfect mix. Daoirí Farrell’s passion for Irish song extends to his engaging sleeve notes, providing not only the origins of these songs but his inspiration for singing them. Of those songs he says “I hope I served them well” – he most certainly did. A Lifetime of Happiness is a wonderful album that delights on every level.
https://soundcloud.com/daoiri-farrell/01-galway-shawl/s-bWoEW?in=daoiri-farrell/sets/a-lifetime-of-happiness/s-A1mTn
THE LIFETIME OF HAPPINESS TOUR – SPRING 2019
MARCH
20 – LIMAVADY, Roe Valley Arts Centre
21 – Bangor Castle
22 – DOWNPATRICK, Down Arts Centre
23 – DUNGANNON, Ranfurly House & Arts Centre
24 – BELFAST, The Duncairn
29 – LLANDEILO, Llandeilo Acoustic at The Angel Inn
30 – CARDIGAN | ABERTEIFI, Theatr Mwldan
31 – BUILTH WELLS, Wyeside Arts Centre
APRIL
01 – NR. CARDIFF, Acapela
02 – BIRMINGHAM, Kitchen Garden Café
05 – BASINGSTOKE, The Forge at The Anvil
06 – SOUTH PETHERTON, The David Hall
07 – Topsham Folk Club
08 – NR. HENLEY-ON-THAMES, Nettlebed Village Club
09 – CAMBRIDGE, The Junction
10 – CAMDEN, LONDON, Cecil Sharp House
12 – BLAXHALL VILLAGE HALL, Blaxhall Sessions (FOLKEAST.CO.UK)
15 – SHREWSBURY, Henry Tudor House
17 – NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, Tyneside Irish Centre
18 – STIRLING, The Tolbooth
Ticket links and more details here: http://daoiri.com