Gráda
| Gráda | |
|---|---|
 Gráda at Kult, Niederstetten, 2010 | |
| Background information | |
| Genres | Irish folk, Celtic |
| Instruments | Flute, whistle, accordion, fiddle, double bass, bodhrán, guitar, bouzouki |
| Years active | 2001-2011[1] |
| Labels | Compass Records |
| Website | http://gradamusic.com |
| Members | Andrew Laking, Nicola Joyce, Gerry Paul, David Doocey, Stephen Doherty |
| Past members | Anne Marie O'Malley, Brendan O'Sullivan, Colin Farrell, Alan Doherty |
Gráda is a traditional Irish music band, founded in 2001, whose members are a mix of Irish and New Zealand musicians. Gráda is based in Dublin and Galway, Ireland, but spend much of their time touring internationally. In 2006, Gráda played in 16 different countries. In 2011, Gráda disbanded to work on individual projects.[2]
Musical career
The group draws from a wide range of influences, which has seen them working with Dave Hingerty (The Frames, The Swell Season); Vyviene Long (cellist with Damien Rice); and, as a producer, Trevor Hutchinson (Lúnasa, Sharon Shannon, The Waterboys). Further additions have included Dublin based trumpeter Bill Blackmore and percussionist Rasmus Skovmand.
In 2008, it was announced Colin Farrell had decided to leave the band. Multi-instrumentalist David Doocey is currently touring with the band. In April 2009, Alan Doherty left the band and was replaced by Stephen Doherty (no relation). Alan returned to the group in 2011.
Charts and critical reception
Gráda have received critical acclaim, with their latest album Natural Angle being voted as one of the top folk albums of 2010 in the USA by NPR / Folk Alley and the IMA music awards.[3] Their previous album, Cloudy Day Navigation appeared multiple times in Irish Music's Top 10 charts. [4] Gráda have received glowing reviews from Irish Music,[5] Sing Out!,[6] The Irish Times,[7][8] The Evening Herald[9] and The Event Guide.[10][11]
Band members
- Andrew Laking – (double bass, vocals)
- Nicola Joyce– (vocals, bodhrán)
- Gerry Paul – (acoustic and electric guitars, bouzouki, vocals)
- David Doocey – (Fiddle, Concertina, and Whistles)
- Stephen Doherty – (Flute)
Former members
- Anne Marie O'Malley – vocals and bodhrán
- Brendan O'Sullivan – fiddle, viola, and vocals
- Colin Farrell – (fiddle, vocals) (2006–2008)
- Alan Doherty – (flutes, whistle, vocals)
Discography
- Off to Sardinia – 2001 (out of production)
- Endeavour – 2002
- The Landing Step – 2004
- Cloudy Day Navigation – 2007
- Natural Angle – 2010 (Compass)
References
- ↑ http://www.gradamusic.com/info.html
- ↑ http://www.gradamusic.com/info.html
- ↑ Compass Records
- ↑ Irish Music Magazine. "Charts", Irish Music. Accessed 4 November 2007
- ↑
- Margeson, B. "Trading Up with Grada", Irish Music, 2006. Accessed 4 November 2007
- ↑ Weir, R. "Gráda Endeavour", Sing Out!, 2005. Accessed 4 November 2007
- ↑ Long, S. "Gráda The Landing Step", Irish Times, 2004. Accessed 4 November 2007
- ↑ Long, S. "Grada Endeavour", Irish Times, 2002. Accessed 4 November 2007
- ↑ McQuaid, S. "Trad's Ring-o stars", The Evening Herald, 2004. Accessed 4 November 2007
- ↑ Mahoney, P. "Gráda Endeavour", The Event Guide, 2004. Accessed 4 November 2007
- ↑ "Past, Present and Future", The Event Guide, 2002. Accessed 4 November 2007
External links
- gradamusic.com - the official website
- Gráda discography at MusicBrainz
- Gráda's MySpace – official MySpace page