Martin Meehan, born 1977 hails from Manchester. Both Angela Durkan and Michael McGoldrick taught him as a young child and had a profound effect on his future development as a musician. Martin moved from Manchester to County Armagh in 1988 and his flute playing was sculpted by the tuition of the late Peg Needham.
His music at this early stage became further enhanced by an eclectic bunch of players such as Brian Finnegan and Niall Vallely, who are renowned for pushing the boundaries in Irish traditional music with their progressive approach.
This was an exciting time for traditional music in Armagh and Martin was at the heart of it! He has performed all over the world both in a solo and group capacity, appearing on radio and television and has featured in a myriad of festivals. Acts he has collaborated with are; Liam Ó Maonlaí, Arty McGlynn, Seamie O’Dowd, Dónal O’Connor, Bothy Band Tribute Band, Future Trad Collective, North Cregg, Tim Edey, Bríd Harper and At First Light.
Meehan’s long awaited second album, The Fox's Lament, delivers energy and melodic revelry in a well weighted Northern musical punch, as Martin creates a poignant yet thrilling journey for the listener. Like every good story this album conveys both emotional highs and lows. It harks back to the ancient plains of Ireland and points to the Celtic shores of foreign lands.
Featuring solid earthy timbre, multi-layering and blending of flutes, the album reveals Martin’s outstanding musicality and uniqueness. Accompanying musicians are intertwined so intimately, it is as though they are all drawing inspiration from the same source; a feat not easily achieved for a solo album. The Fox’s Lament embodies the living tradition which is constant, vibrant and rooted so firmly in the heart of this County Armagh flute player.
Cuireann Dónall Mac Ruairí An Chóisir Cheoil i láthair ar RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta ón Máirt go hAoine, 4.10-5.00 i.n.
