Líadan
Blending together their rich musical backgrounds, these six talented young ladies create a fresh and exciting sound that explores both traditional and new material. The uniqueness of Líadan lies in the deeply traditional essence of their music and in each band member’s ability to shine both instrumentally and vocally. Líadan’s stage presence exudes a group personality that is both vibrant and engaging.
Their tune playing features striking string and reed rhythms and accompaniments, while always keeping the melody central to their arrangements. Coupled with that, the members are highly talented vocalists, displaying an astounding ability to move audiences with their settings of traditional and sean-nós songs in the Gaelic and English language, using acapella, harmonies and instrumental arrangements.
Líadan’s distinctive and innovative sound has won them such prestigious awards as ‘Best Live Band’ at the Lorient Interceltic Festival, 2005, and ‘Best Vocal Group’ at the International Pan Celtic Festival, 2005. Following the huge success of their debut album, which was launched in September 2006, the band was invited to tour America and Japan with The Chieftains. They have also played at prestigious venues and festivals such as Carnegie Hall, Áras an Uachtaráin, Milwaukee Irish Festival, Icons Festival, The World Fleadh, Richmond Folk Festival, EBU Folk Festival and the North Texas Irish Festival. Líadan performed on Ireland’s favourite chat show, The Late Late Show in October 2007 and they were also featured on Up for the Match earlier that year (both performances can be seen on www.myspace.com/liadanmusic).
They have two superb albums to their credit, ‘Traditional Irish Music and Song’ and more recently ‘Casadh na Taoide/Turning the Tide’Here are two of the many reviews that they have received:
‘Six music masters with master’s degrees in music, Líadan has the instrumental chops, impressive lead vocals, well-executed vocal harmonies, imaginative arrangements, extensive and diverse repertoire, and apparent elan to become the next major global force in Irish traditional music. Genuine talent, not genes, is the ultimate hook here. If their commitment to staying together matches the command they show in performing together, watch out.’
Earl Hitchner, Irish Echo
‘Líadan is a creative force … On the one hand there is the expected spontaneity, the playing from the heart, the musical honesty, and above all the sound of searching. On the other, there is a very grounded aspect to the sound - something focused and very fine’.
Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin
For more information please visit their website at: www.liadan.ie/
