The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #133334   Message #3024355
Posted By: michaelr
05-Nov-10 - 12:34 PM
Thread Name: Grand Dames of Irish music form supergro
Subject: Grand Dames of Irish music form supergro
Four of Ireland's greatest female performers have formed a new collaboration, T with the Maggies. A CD will be released this month.

Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill performed with both Skara Brae and The Bothy Band. In the late 70's she moved from Ireland to the USA where she formed Touchstone. When her brother, Mícheál, also emigrated they both enjoyed considerable acclaim with Relativity and Nightnoise. Tríona has recently released her latest solo album, 'The Key's Within'.

Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill was also with Skara Brae and is renowned for her distinctive sean-nós style which she has taken worldwide as an ambassador and champion of Irish tradition. Her father and aunt were avid collectors of traditional songs. Besides her numerous collaborations, including those with sister Triona and as a member of Dónal Lunny's Coolfin, she has released a number of solo albums, including the pivotal 'No Dowry' in 1991.

Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh formed Altan with her late husband Frankie Kennedy in the late 80's. Despite his untimely death she has continued fronting the group as singer and exceptional fiddle player. In 1994 she was instrumental in founding the Frankie Kennedy Winter School which has now become firmly embedded in Ireland's musical calendar. Her debut solo album, 'Imeall', was released in 2009.

Moya Brennan has fronted Clannad since the mid 70's. With 22 albums, a Grammy and Ivor Novello award the group pioneered Celtic music and brought the Irish language to a mass audience. Moya has performed and duetted with a wide range of artists, including Bono, Bruce Hornsby, Michael McDonald, Robert Plant, Paul Brady among others. Her solo output includes 7 albums, the latest being 'Heart Strings' recorded live with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.