21th April 2017
One of the great story tellers, gifted and prolific songwriters, Ralph McTell will team up with Lúnasa, one of the finest traditional music outfits, to mark their 20th Anniversary celebrations during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in August. The concert, appropriately named ‘From Clare to Here’ will also feature the legendary Máirtín O’Connor Trio with an ability to ignite audiences and bring people to their feet.
According to Frank Whelan, Chairman of the Fleadh Executive Committee, this is a first-class line-up and can only provide a special evening on the 17th August in the Shannon Aerodome. ‘This has all the hallmarks of a most memorable night and one not to be missed,’ said a delighted Frank Whelan. ‘It is very good timing and we are extremely fortunate that all three segments of this concert performance can come together in Ennis for what can only be described as a one-off event.’ he said.
The Streets of London and From Clare to Here are the songs we most associate with Ralph McTell, whose career has spanned over 50 years across the acoustic and folk music scene in the UK and well beyond. Known especially for his guitar playing, modelled on the country blues playing of the USA, he took the name McTell from a famous American ragtime singer and slide guitarist, Blind Willie McTell to whom Bob Dylan also paid tribute in song.
Winner of an Ivor Novello Award, that celebrates, honours and rewards excellence in British, and Irish songwriting and composing, Ralph McTell has had sell-out concerts at the Royal Festival and Royal Albert Halls in London. In 1993 Nanci Griffith recorded ‘From Clare to Here’ on her Grammy Award-winning album. Interested in East African politics, he spoke Swahili and later completed a BBC commissioned project ‘The Boy with a Note’ an invocation of the life of poet, Dylan Thomas. To mark 50 years as a recording artist, the world-famous Martin Guitars created a ‘signature’ Ralph McTell guitar.
Also known across the world, Lúnasa is a coming together of eclectic musicians who cut their teeth with other well-known bands and now have their own unique blend and sound. Champion fiddle player, Seán Smyth, Kevin Crawford with strong Clare links on flute, Cillian Vallely on pipes and Paul Meehan on guitar, they have sold over a quarter of a million albums to date. ‘Lúnasa is internationally recognised for their amazing performances and inventive arrangements and will transport the Fleadh Dome audience to another level,’ said Pádraic O’Reilly, who is Co-ordinator of the Concert performances at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann.
Supported by three legendary artists, Máirtín O’Connor, Cathal Hayden and Seamie O’Dowd who go to make up the Máirtín O’Connor Trio, their electrifying performances should be a rousing addition to the night.
(Tickets at €25 for Lúnasa, Ralph McTell & Máirtín O’Connor Trio from Glór, Ennis, Co. Clare www.glor.ie. Concert will be performed at Shannon Aerodome, Ennis on Thursday 17th August 2017. See also www.fleadhcheoil.ie).
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Further Contact
Frank Whelan, Chairman of The Fleadh Executive Committee 086-8260300
Anne Jones, Media Publicity 087 2204645
