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Debut album for harmonica player
28.08.09
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BUNCRANA-based,
harmonica player, Tom Byrne, will launch his debut
album this Saturday when he's joined for a great
session in the Backroom Bar in McGrory’s of Culdaff.
With Frankie Gavin, Carl Hession and Paul O’Driscoll
all due to join Tom on the night, there is no doubt
that music lovers in the peninsula who gets their
hands on a ticket, will be in for one fantastic
treat.
Tom Byrne grew up in England but has lived in
Buncrana since the early nineties. Over the last 20
years his fascination for playing traditional music
on the diatonic and chromatic harmonica and his
passion and virtuosity on the instrument have
astounded concert goers in Ireland and abroad.
At the Ar Ais Aris Festival in Buncrana in 2007 he
received a standing ovation for his performance,
which was led by the renowned fiddle maestro,
Frankie Gavin.
Tom’s album presents a contrast of original material
such as his composition ‘Caoineadh na Neacht –Chiontach
(the Cry Of The Innocent)’ and his late father’s
‘The Sliabh Ban Waltz.’ |
Speaking to the
Inishowen Independent last week Tom explained that
his father Paddy Byrne had been born at Sliabh Ban
at Malin Head.
“He had great memories of his youth there with all
his relations and the great social scene and music
that was always at the centre of everything.”
Tom explained that the album is dedicated to the
memory of his mother - Bridie Canning from
Magilligan, Co Derry - |
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and his father.
The album also includes classic hornpipes such as
‘The Poppy leaf’ and ‘Spellan’s Inspiration’ and
interesting arrangements of great reels such as ‘The
Musical Priest’ and ‘Trim The Velvet’.
He has also recorded the beautiful melody ‘Macushla’
which was originally recorded by the wonderful tenor
John McCormack.
With the accompanying fiddle/viola, piano and double
bass in the masterful hands of Messrs Gavin, Hession
and O’Driscoll the album presents a sound rich in
emotion and excitement.
The launch will take place in McGrory’s Hotel,
Culdaff on Sat 29th Aug at 5pm followed by a concert
with Tom, Frankie Gavin, Carl Hession, Paul
O’Driscoll and Ian Smith plus special guests.
Anyone seeking further information and concert
tickets contact McGrory’s Hotel, Culdaff on 07493
79104. (Inishowen Independent) |
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