Grada Visits Arizona
Tue.
Aug 21 Casa Bonita |
Wed.
Aug 22 Future
Studios |
Fri.
Aug 24 Cline Library
|
Sat.
Aug 25 Berger Performing
Arts |
Sun.
Aug 26 Fiddler's Dream |
 Visiting
Arizona is the band The Irish Times has called Irish music with
“enough steam in its heels to leave most of its peers at the starting
blocks.” This band is Grada. Grada is a group that is not well known
in the United States, but is finally receiving the sort of recognition
they deserve, having received a fat of awards and reviews that have propelled
them into the elite circle of Irish super groups.
Grada is a quintet of talented musicians from Ireland, New Zealand, and England. Alan Doherty (flutes, whistles, vocals) is widely recognized as a lead soloist on the Lord of the Rings soundtrack. His freewheeling, “soaring flute playing” is a major part of Grada’s sound. Nicola Joyce (vocals, bodhran, fiddle, whistles) comes from a long family line of musicians.  She grew
up in Galway in the west of Ireland and learned to play instruments and
sing from a young age. Her influences are numerous, but include Dolores
Keane, Karen Casey (Cherish the Ladies), Tom Waits, Ella Fitzgerald, and
Joni
Mitchell. Colin Farrell (fiddle, whistle) was born in Manchester, a city that has probably the strongest and most vibrant Irish Traditional music sceneoutside of 
Ireland. Before joining Grada, Colin had already made a name for himself, performing and recording with an array of great musicians in Europe and the USA, including the well-known group, Flook. Gerry Paul (guitar, bouzouki) has spent half his life in New Zealand and is considered part of the “engine room” behind Grada along with Andrew Laking (double bass, vocals, guitar). Born in New Zealand, Andrew comes from a varied musical background, including jazz, Latin, gypsy, and folk styles. He has been in big demand as a session musician, having recorded for producers such as Bill Whelan (Riverdance). Grada may not be a household name in the US yet, but they are worth seeing. Having seen them at last year’s Milwaukee Irish Fest, I was blown away by the stunning vocals, energetic tunes, and the ability to use outside influences such as jazz without losing the sound of traditional Irish music. Grada is a truly captivating band.
Gráda "Cloudy Day Navigation" Produced by Trevor Hutchison (Lúnasa, Sharon Shannon). Featuring special guests Alison Brown, Bill Blackmore, Tola Custy, Dave Hingerty, Trevor Hutchison, Vyvienne Long, Wiremu Namana and Rasmus Skovmand. Now well established in Irish music circles, Gráda – both
collectively and In the six years since the formation of the band, Gráda’s
original compositions Alan Doherty: Flutes, Whistles, Vocals, Percussion
FLAGSTAFF: Grada is being presented by Living Traditions Presentations at the Cline Library Auditorium, Friday, August 24, 2007 at 8:00pm. Grada is sponsored by Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society, a 501c-3 Non-Profit Organization. Tickets will be available at NAU Central Ticketing, Cedar Music, Jitters Coffee, and Ticketmaster.com. For information, call 928-600-1365 or email Kari@LivingTraditionsPresentations.com.
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