Violinist/fiddler Aoife Ní Bhriain and Cormac McCarthy have released A Mháire, the first single from their collaborative album, Cosán Casta, due out 7 November. We asked Cormac the BIG questions . . .
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The album title derives from the Irish words for "twisted path", reflecting "a journey both intricate and organic, rooted and exploratory".
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I try my best to maintain a balance in life. It can be difficult at times as music pulls you every which way, but I always strive to keep family first.
Sport and playing the piano have always been my escape.
I really don't like having to talk about myself.
How would you describe your music?
I was very lucky to be exposed to lots of different types of music growing up. My official music education was exclusively in classical and subsequently jazz but I've been influenced by all sorts. I think my music reflects this and I've been told it "defies categorisation."
Who are your musical inspirations?
Many and varied. Bach, Herbie Hancock, Joni Mitchell, Tommy Potts, Ravel, Charlie Parker, Radiohead, Martin Hayes, Iarla Ó'Lionáírd. But most of all, my old piano teacher, Mary Beattie. She showed me what it meant to approach music with love and integrity.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
My dad is a professional musician so I was being dragged along to his gigs as soon as I left the maternity ward. God only knows what the first gig was.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I don't remember the first record I bought, but I do remember the first record I felt was mine; My younger sister Aoife, bought me Sting's Ten Summoner's Tales for my ninth birthday. It's still one of my favourite albums.
What's your favourite song right now?
I'm diggin’ everything by jazz pianist Sullivan Fortiner right now. He can capture and distil hundreds of years of musical language and tradition and portray it through a fresh and vibrant prism that is uniquely him.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"I pulled into the Cactus Tree Motel to shower off the dust, and I slept on the strange pillows of my wanderlust' Joni Mitchell - Amelia. But it could be pretty much any Joni lyric.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
JS Bach - St Matthew Passion. I know it's long and more than just a song, but it's a treasure trove with jewels you could keep unearthing forever.
Where can people find your music/more information?
I have a new record coming out with the phenomenal violinist/fiddler, Aoife Ní Bhriain. It's called Cosán Casta and will be available on all the usual platforms. You can check out more music on my website.
Alan Corr
