Category Archives: Singers

Edel Vaughan: Daughter of Clare

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Talented Clare singer Edel Vaughan has recently been touring with the Kilfenora Céilí Band. The photo below captures Edel performing with resident flute players Garry Shannon (the lefty on the right) and Anthony Quigney (the righty on the left). Both Garry and Edel are playing Martin Doyle flutes.

Edel Vaughan performing on tour with the Kilfenora Céilí Band

Edel Vaughan performing on tour with the Kilfenora Céilí Band. Photo by Martin Connolly

A little about Edel Vaughan …

Edel Vaughan is a native of the County Clare who has been playing music and participating in traditional and sean nós singing from an early age. She has won six All Ireland titles and has travelled the world with the renowned Brú Ború group. Edel has also travelled and worked with the dance show Ragús and has had the honour of being a member of the prestigious Clare Memory Orchestra for a specially commissioned millennium suite commemorating the death of Brian Ború in 1014 AD. Edel is also no stranger to the camera having performed on many television series including Abair Amhrán, Fleadh TV and Geantraí.

Currently touring with the renowned Kilfenora Céilí Band, Edel also teaches Irish and history at St. Flannans College in Ennis and traditional singing in many Comhaltas branches throughout Ireland. Edel released her debut album Spreagtha (Inspired) in April 2016 – here is a sample featuring several songs from the album.

Aoife Doyle Releases New Album

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Martin Doyle‘s daughter Aoife Doyle is an accomplished jazz singer who has just released her second album entitled ‘Clouds’. Differing from Aoife’s debut album, Clouds is a collection of original songs. These words from an article announcing the release on the Music Network website:

Clouds - a newly released album by Aoife Doyle

Clouds – a newly released album by Aoife Doyle

Aoife’s unique, expressive voice is equally at home with jazz, folk, country, bluegrass or blues, and her singing can evoke memories of the sophisticated, velvet tones of Ella Fitzgerald, the earthy, sweet lyricism of Patsy Cline or the straight‐up country clarity of Alison Krauss. Backed by Johnny Taylor’s subtle piano, Andrew Csibi’s inventive bass and Dominic Mullan’s sensitive percussion, the band has won much deserved critical acclaim.Speaking about the CD, Aoife says, “We are delighted to release this collection of songs, our first album of original music. Our sound has developed a lot in the last few years and the fruits can be heard on this CD. Creatively we have come a long way. Music Network’s support has been imperative to this development. Their understanding of the elements that contribute to the development of an artist are undeniable. To avail of the support and experience Music Network has to offer has been a privilege I am most grateful for.”

Reviews for Aoife’s debut album, ‘This Time the Dream’s on Me’:

“Doyle’s singing is coming from a deeper, more natural place too, with a feeling for the blues learnt from Billie Holiday and the rare ability to improvise vocally.”

“Her swinging quartet includes some of the best young players on the Dublin Scene.”

More reviews here »

Our congratulations to Aoife and the accomplished quartet of musicians that back her! Here is the title track from Clouds.

The Life And Legacy Of Delia Murphy

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All nations can mark key moments in their history when an event, entity or individual has made a crucial contribution to the development and character of their homeland. Most often these moments seem to spring during times of adversity but history also shows that they can occur during peaceful and prosperous times as well. Ireland is a nation that has seen it’s fair share of adversity throughout the centuries but the courage and fortitude of her people has helped to forge and maintain a very special character that shines in the world as something most unique.

As with most colonised nations, the retention and eventual rejuvenation of the native language and music is tremendously important to the internal strength of a country. Examples of individual and collective commitment to the rejuvenation of Irish culture are many and varied. Ireland boasts a plethora of ‘heroes’ who, through the ages, have in various ways kept her sacred music alive for future generations to protect and develop. As a result, the music of Ireland is loved the world over and has kept it’s homeland’s heart beating proudly through thick and thin. Like her native language, Ireland’s music has been the mortar that has bound Ireland’s hopes, tears, smiles and dreams into an amalgam of collective fortitude.

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Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh Testimonial

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Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh playing fulte.

Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh playing fulte.

Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh is an accomplished flute and whistle player and singer from Dún Chaoin in County Kerry, Ireland. She is the lead singer and flute player with the traditional Irish music group Danú, and is a tutor at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick.

Muireann plays a Martin Doyle flute and has been kind enough to offer a testimonial for Martin’s website. She has also sent us a sample of her flute playing from the album Dual – a collaboration with Julie Fowlis, Éamon Doorley and Ross Martin that was released in November of 2008. Muireann’s testimonial reads:

“I have been playing a Martin Doyle African Blackwood ‘D’ flute since 2001. As a touring musician I am delighted with its reliability and consistency of tone, no matter where I am in the world. The flute is perfectly in tune which is very important when playing in a band context. I also love the fact that it can produce a variety of sounds from a powerful bark to a sweeter, clearer tone, making it a very expressive instrument and suitable for all kinds of music from wild Kerry Polkas to more subtle slow airs. I always recommend Martin’s flutes to my flute students.”

Muireann’s music sample can be heard here: Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh – Flute Music »

More testimonials from flute players all over the world can be viewed here: Testimonials »