Matt Molloy & John Carty with Brian McGrath to play Laois Music Centre
Laois Music Centre, Portlaoise to host Matt Molloy & John Carty with Brian McGrath on Friday November 22
Probably the most exciting trad combination of recent times, Matt Molloy on flute, and John Carty on fiddle, together with Brian McGrath on piano, are undertaking a short Winter Rambles Tour around Ireland and will be appearing at the Laois Music Centre, Portlaoise on Friday, 22nd November. Together they will explore the rich and varied tapestry of the fiddle and flute tradition of North Connaught. Doors open at 7:30pm. Tickets are available on EventBrite at €15 for adults and €5 for children, as well as students of Laois School of Music.
Matt, over the years, has been a member of ‘The Bothy Band’, ‘Planxty’ and ‘The Chieftains’. His three solo albums, as well as his trio recording with Tommy Peoples and Paul Brady in the late 70s, brought flute playing to a new level.
Born in London, but living in Boyle for over 25 years, John Carty has established himself among the elite of Irish traditional musicians. With three solo fiddle albums, two banjo albums, two group albums, and a sprinkling of recorded tenor guitar and flute music recordings under his belt, John Carty’s musical prowess has grown to great heights. He is also a member of the bands ‘At the Racket’ and ‘Patrick Street’. Most recently, John arranged and played all the traditional music elements in the film Brooklyn.
Both Matt and John are recipients of the prestigious TG4 Musician of the Year Award. They are delighted to be joined by much sought after pianist Brian McGrath. His subtle and imaginative playing is the perfect accompaniment to Matt and John’s unique duet. Brian has toured extensively, playing with all the biggest names in Irish traditional music, including Frankie Gavin, Noel Hill, John Carty, Matt Molloy, and Eleanor Shanley to name a few.
The title of their latest album Out of the Ashes was gotten from a saying by the great Johnny Watt Henry, who was a night owl who liked to keep musicians late into the night. If they made an attempt to leave, he would delay them by declaring: “What hurry is on ye lads? Hold on and I’ll rake up the gríosach here and see if I can’t pull another ‘quare’ tune out of the ashes for ye …. to be bringing home with ye”. So, this album is a salute to the great men and women of the past, like Johnny Henry, who nurtured the tradition against all the odds.
Early booking is strongly advised.