"Gráda is not a household name in the US - yet, but if this talented quintet appears anywhere within 100 miles of you, hi' thee hence… " (Sing Out Magazine) It's been a long time coming, but Gráda are finally starting to get the sort of recognition they deserve, having received a raft of awards and reviews that have propelled them towards the elite circle of Irish super groups. After finishing the year with seven consecutive sold out Irish shows (a feat that very few Irish traditional groups could lay claim to), Gráda have embarked on probably their most ambitious year to date, which sees them making 4 tours to the USA; and tours of Ireland, the UK, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Italy and France. In-between all this, Gráda are also recording their third studio album with producer Trevor Hutchinson. The CD represents a strong development in the group's sound, effortlessly blending traditional and contemporary music styles, modern songs and other forms of ethnic music into their own natural style. The recording also features percussionist Dave Hingerty (Josh Ritter / The Frames) and guests such as Vyvienne Long (cellist with Damien Rice). Gráda's CDs are under the American record label, Compass.  Left to Right: Colin Farrell (fiddle/whistles); Andrew Laking (double-bass/vocals); Nicola Joyce (vocals/bodhrán/fiddle); Gerry Paul (guitars); Alan Doherty (flute/whistles) Some Press Excerpts For Gráda's Current Album "The Landing Step": "A pacemaker with enough steam in its heels to leave most of its peers at the starting blocks" - Siobhán Long, The Irish Times "A true gem… so amazing to see the younger generation keeping traditional music alive." - Dale Dobson, WWHP Radio "Gráda plays with obvious respect for the ancient roots of their music, but also without any apparent fear that they might break it through experimentation" - Rick Anderson, All-Music Guide "A Firm foothold in the upper echelons of Irish music" - Celtic Connection "Gráda are one of the great Irish bands that carry this countries music around the world's waist, playing and singing, singing and playing, shining and shining!" - John Spillane Some press excerpts for "Endeavour": "Endeavour is a thoroughly gripping and electrifying debut." - Folk Roots Magazine. "A work of pulsing energy and vision" - Folkworld Online "Hear how diverse pitches coalesce to startling effect, welding contemporary and traditional tunes and songs that consort as cosily as if they were lifelong bedfellows… ensemble playing with a vengeance… This is an eye-popping debut. Firebrands all." - The Irish Times "Simply spectacular. A fresh wind, jazzy tones" - Schwäbische Zeitung, Germany "Gráda combines both globe trotted experience and musical accomplishment. Multicultural backgrounds help bring a fresh approach to playing and present a unique slant on traditional music. " - Irish Music Magazine. TV and Radio Coverage: US: WFUV NY Interview & Performance; WPKN CT, WSHU CT interviews; XM Radio interview and program (June '05), WGBH Boston interview (June '05) Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour (March 06), Folkscene, Los Angeles (March 06), - UK: BBC documentary, SRL - Australia: Channel 7 and Channel 9, ABC broadband documentary in Australia Extensive airplay and interviews on ABC radio - New Zealand: TV One-Holmes Show and 2 performances on the Breakfast Show, Extensive airplay and interviews across National Radio - Japan: National TV - Ireland: RTE, with extensive airplay and interviews. About the Musicians: Alan Doherty (flutes/whistles/vocals) Alan is widely recognised as a lead soloist on the Lord of the Rings soundtrack. His freewheeling "soaring flute playing" is a major part of Gráda's sound. Recently he has been making guest appearances with Irish high fliers, Damien Dempsey and Declan O'Rourke. Nicola Joyce (vocals/bodhrán/fiddle/whistles) Nicola 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. Before joining Gráda, she studied music in Limerick and began performing extensively around Ireland at sessions and concerts. Her influences are numerous, but include singers such as - Dolores Keane (her long time neighbour!); Karen Casey; Tom Waits; Ella Fitzgerald; and Joni Mitchell. Colin Farrell (fiddle/whistle) Colin Farrell was born in Manchester, a city that has probably the strongest and most vibrant Irish traditional music scene outside of Ireland. Before joining Gráda, 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). He has an all-Ireland fiddle title and, remarkably, and all-Ireland whistle title as well, making him undoubtedly one of the top exponents of Irish music in the world. Gerry Paul (guitar/bouzouki) Gerry has spent half his life living in New Zealand. Dubliners regard his anitopdean rhythm section pairing with fellow Kiwi Andrew Laking as the "engine room" behind Gráda. Andrew Laking (double bass/vocals/guitar) Born in New Zealand, Andrew comes from a varied musical background, including jazz, Latin, folk and gypsy styles. He has been in big demand as a session musician, having recorded for producers such as Bill Whelan (composer of Riverdance) Festivals Gráda have played: Woodford Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Brisbane World Beat Festival, Sydney Opera House World Music Festival (Australia); Cambridge Folk Festival, Celtic Connections Festival, Wimbourne Festival, Girvan Festival (UK); East of the Hebrides Festival, Milwaukee Irish Festival, Boston Irish Connections Festival, Canton Irish Festival, Calivares Irish Festival , Potomac Celtic Festival (USA); Dranouter Festival, Gooikoorts Festival, Folkn'Ro Festival, Deerlycke Festival (Belgium); Tønder Festival, Copenhagen Irish Festival (Denmark); Belfast Festival at Queens, West Belfast Feile, Open Arts Festival Belfast, BEO Traditional Music Festival - National Concert Hall Dublin, St. Patrick's Day Festival Dublin, Waterford TráFest; Roundstone Arts Week; Waterford Tall Ships Festival (Ireland); Telemark Festival (Norway), Folkwoods Festival (Holland). |
