Musician, singer and presenter, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh writes about the period of neadú (nesting) we have lived through and how her latest EP and upcoming gig grew from the comfort she gleaned from well-worn songs.
Neadú (nesting) is what we have all been doing for the last year. During the lockdown, I found comfort in songs well-worn and much-loved from my past that I had never recorded, and was inspired by the ancient stone beehive huts or clocháns that are scattered around my locality in West Kerry.
Roghnaíos amhráin a bhí i mo thimpeall agus mé i mo chailín óg agus a bhfuil dlúthcheangail agam leo ach nár éirigh liom iad a thaifead, go dtí anois.
On Fri the 30th April at 8pm, I will share these songs with you from the dramatic Dingle Distillery, where Gerry O' Beirne and Donal O'Connor will join me to perform our first live-streamed concert, complete with interaction with the audience. Following the premiere of these songs, the EP will be available exclusively from www.muireann.ie and later on all download and streaming platforms.
Seo na traiceanna a bheidh le cloisteáil ar an EP
1. Cad É Sin Don Té Sin
A version of a popular song about doing your own thing that I learned from the singer Mícheál Ua Duinnín.
2. Do Bhí Bean Uasal
A broken-hearted song I got from my neighbour Ben Ó Loingsigh. It is also a popular melody in English that goes by the title Carrickfergus
3. The Bay of Biscay
My wonderful schoolteacher Mícheál Ó Dubhshláine taught me this when I was a child. I have always loved the story, and the conversational element to it.
4. Tá’n Coileach Ag Fógairt An Lae
I like recording tracks that children can sing along with. My own girls love this little jig-song about farmyard animals.
5. Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór (Turlough O’Carolan)
The blind harper Turlough O'Carolan (1670-1738) composed this beautiful piece which has become a firm favourite among musicians, myself included. I loved learning it as a song, with its original lyrics by the man himself.
Is féidir leat ticéad a fháil don choirm speisialta seo anseo
