TWO albums were launched during a music concert which was part of Scoil Gheimhridh Ghaoth Dobhair in the Social, Derrybeg on Monday night.
The first debut album ‘Sliocht’ is from the highly acclaimed flute-player Frances Morton. The launch was performed by Maireád Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan.
Meaning ‘trace’ or ‘lineage’, Sliocht draws on Frances’ family and musical heritage from Scotland and Ireland.
Frances, who lives in Carrick, Derrybeg has dedicated the new album in memory of her dad, Frank, a native of Mayo who passed away last year.
The Friel Sisters , Anna, Sheila and Clare with musicians, Cathal Ó Currain, Marty Barry and Felix Morganstern performing at the launch of their new album.
Produced by Eamon McElholm the album also features musicians that Frances has shared the stage with including Ciarán Tourish (fiddle), Doimnic Mac Giolla Bhríde (voice, piano), Julie Langan (fiddle), Mark Maguire (bodhrán), Malcolm Stitt (bouzouki), Ryan O’Donnell (bouzouki) and Seamus O’Kane (bodhrán).
Over the past two years, Frances and her partner Doiminic Mac Giolla Bhríde have undertaken several tours of East and West Coast America, supported Irish singer-songwriter Declan O’Rourke and recorded for the BBC on a forthcoming programme entitled ‘Innovation in Traditional Music’.
Sarah Goodwell, Caoimhe Nic Giolla Bhríde and her husband, Lewis Marshell.
Meanwhile, the second album launched on Monday night is ‘Northern Sky’ from the hugely talented Friel Sisters and it was launched by Áine Ní Bhreisleáin.
The Friel Sisters, Anna, Sheila and Clare Friel are traditional musicians from Annagry and who are originally from Glasgow.
Brought up in the Donegal diaspora of Glasgow, the girls have remained deeply connected to their Donegal roots, playing a mixture of music interspersed with songs in English and Irish, many from their family repertoire.
The Friel Sisters are joined by Marty Barry, guitar player and singer from Banbridge, Co Down and Cathal Ó Curráin, bouzouki player and singer from Gaoth Dobhair who was recently awarded Best Emerging Artist for 2022 at the RTÉ Folk Awards in Dublin.
Frances Morton pictured with well known flute player Marcas Ó Murchú.
Author Michael Harding and his wife Kathy Carman at the launch.
Mairéad Ni Mhaonaigh who launched Frances Morton’s new album pictured with musician and producer of the album Éamon McElholm. Photos: Tommy Curran
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