Celtic Calling set to release their debut singles, two reimagined interpretations of The Parting Glass and Siúil A Rúin. We asked the band's guitarist Chris Comhaill the BIG questions…
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My name is Chris Comhaill and I’m a guitarist, singer and composer with Celtic Calling, which consists of myself on guitar and singers Eilís Dexter, Victoria Johnston, and Rachel Nic Thomás. As a group we aim to reimagine classic Celtic pieces with a unique and modern aesthetic, as well as offering our own original compositions.
How would you describe your music?
Diverse, yet with an underlying Celtic foundation. As a group, we’ve all a background as classically trained musicians and are each active as individual solo artists. As a group, our members range from award-winning, Grammy-shortlisted singer-songwriters to master’s in performance singers and musicians. I also release indie and folk music under the name Chris Comhaill as well as jazz and soul under Front Row Seats. Another project I’m passionate about is titled Dúchas, the aim of which is to develop solo guitar arrangements of traditional music with contemporary harmony.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Growing up in Ireland, I think members of Celtic Calling have been influenced by the music and success of Irish acts such as Clannad, The Chieftains, Altan, The Corrs and Lankum. In terms of guitar playing, I’ve been hugely influenced by Paul Brady, Arty McGlynn, Steve Cooney and Ed Boyd in the trad world, along with my love of jazz guitar giants like Barney Kessel and Joe Pass, to the opposite end of the spectrum with classical titans such as Roland Dyens or Ana Vidovic. We’re hoping now to take these disparate influences and weave them together to create something new and compelling.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
The first gig I went to I was just a kid and was taken to a session down on the West Coast in Kerry, I think it was at Begleys. My Da used to call it the Wild West and it was certainly one of the wildest experiences I had ever had in my young life. From jigs and reels that had men and women up dancing on the tables, to ballads and airs that would move you to tears. I think it was the scope of it all – it could mirror the experience of a lifetime and condense it into a night and it was then that I was captured in the snare of Celtic music – it’s ability to take you from the highest peaks of joy to the depths of lament and sorrow - to engulf you in its fervour, passion and beauty.
What was the first record you ever bought?
There’s a bunch that seem to be enmeshed in my memories of my teenage years, from the Prodigy’s The Fat of the Land to an album of Bach Cantatas that I recall becoming obsessed with. One that stands out though, and that I still listen to regularly, is the self-titled album Andy Irvine/Paul Brady recorded shortly after the two formed their duo in 1976. The tune Arthur McBride influenced me hugely – the sense of unfolding narrative and the unbelievable guitar work from Brady; so nuanced and expressive. I spent many a day trying to figure out how he got that sound from a guitar, and long before I knew about alternate tunings.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Lankum’s The Young People.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"I saw the danger and I passed along the enchanted way, And I said, `Let grief be a fallen leaf at the dawning of the day.’" I know it’s almost a cliché, but just the incredible scale and heart-wrenching beauty of it. Penned by Kavanagh and delivered by Kelly what more could you ask for?
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The Lark by Moving Hearts. I could listen to it no matter what mood I’m in.
Where can people find your music/more info?
Our double debut singles The Parting Glass is out now and Siúil a Rúin is out on 12 October and will be released on all streaming platforms. You’ll find updates on our Instagram @celticcallingmusic and www.celticcalling.com and also on my solo musician page @chriscomhaill and www.chriscomhaill.com
