‘Steve Cooney…possesses a rare and deep musical intuition… he discovered a very unique rhythmic vocabulary that had never previously been heard on guitar in Irish music. He plays with an understanding and integrity that brings out a very ancient feeling in the music.’ _ Martin Hayes
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‘Steve Cooney…possesses a rare and deep musical intuition… he discovered a very unique rhythmic vocabulary that had never previously been heard on guitar in Irish music. He plays with an understanding and integrity that brings out a very ancient feeling in the music.’ _ Martin Hayes
In honour of the remarkable 19th century music-collector Canon James Goodman, who was rector in Skibbereen from 1867 and who built this beautiful church that opened in 1890, we are delighted to present a very special evening of traditional Irish music, spoken word and song by three of our greatest Goodman aficionados
Iarla Ó Lionáird and Steve Cooney have forged a unique musical partnership over many years. Their interpretations of songs from the sean-nós tradition have set a new standard of artistic integrity and creative innovation within the traditional structures of the Gaelic song tradition. They have long shared an empathetic link that has grown out of their love of the melodic and poetic art forms created during the time when Gaelic culture was in its full flowering.
Odhrán Ó Casaide, Odhrán is a violinist and composer. He is currently a lecturer in violin and coordinator of the Irish music programme at TU Dublin. He has done extensive research on the Goodman Collection. A particular interest of his has been researching the lost lyrics of airs that were clearly vocal in character. He has reconstructed a number of these songs which have now been reintroduced into the tradition and which you will hear sung by Iarla tonight.
" Iarla Ó Lionáird's voice will astound you. It soars - and it's as profound, simple and beautiful as wild horses... Genius is the operative word here." _ Time Out, New York
‘Steve Cooney…possesses a rare and deep musical intuition… he discovered a very unique rhythmic vocabulary that had never previously been heard on guitar in Irish music. He plays with an understanding and integrity that brings out a very ancient feeling in the music.’ _ Martin Hayes