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The Amayzing Grace Concert
| | Thursday, May 14, 2009
John's band At the Racket took part in this very special concert last Saturday night in St Joseph's Church, Boyle. The concert was held to raise funds for the care of baby Tommy Simon, an article written about Tommy by his father musician, Frankie Simon is reprinted below. The concert was a fantastic success with 1200 people in attendance. A committee has been formed from Tommy’s neighbours, friends and carers to raise funds to help with his continuing care. Donations can be given to: Tommy Simon Care Fund, AIB Boyle sort code 93 70 61, Account no 07137044
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Summer Schools 2009
Monday, May 04, 2009
Summer 2009, John will be teaching at Blas Summer School, University of Limerick on the 25th and 26th of June and also at the Joe Mooney Summer School in Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim from Monday 20th July until Saturday 25th | | | |
News about Launch Tour of 'It's Not Racket Science'
| | Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The gigs in Kilmactigue, Co Sligo and The Moving Stairs, Boyle, Co Roscommon were both sell outs and great fun was had by all! Heading south now for gigs in Limerick, Listowel, Co Kerry and Ballyvourney Co Cork | |
Its Not Racket Science - New Release from At the Racket
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Thursday, September 11, 2008
Racket Records announce the launch of
It’s Not Racket Science
Out September 2008
“The music of At the Racket makes you smile” – Arty McGlynn
It’s Not Racket Science is the new album from At the Racket. Formed in 1997 this is the band’s third CD and marks the opening of a new chapter with the introduction of their newest member, guitarist Michael McCague.
It’s Not Racket Science delves into the golden era of recorded music with a new freshness to the songs, medleys, waltzs, reels, polkas and jigs. Seamus O’Donnell art at story telling through song is perfectly captured here. His rendition of “Maloney Puts His Name Above the Door” is a highlight of the album. It has not been recorded since the Flanagan Brothers in 1930 and is perfectly suited to Seamus’ velvet voice. His saxophone contributions are at their playful best as he throws off the harness on timeless favourites such as the “Stack of Barley” and on big reels like “Julia Delaneys” and “Paddy Fahy’s” never before explored with such instrumentation.
For It’s Not Racket Science Brian McGrath showcases more his virtuosity as a banjo player on such delights as “Lady Ann Montgomery” and “Liam Farrell’s” where he is duelling banjos with John Carty. On this CD McGrath’s vamping piano is once again the anchor behind the band.
The shackles are off John Carty in this recording, his innovative and imaginative fiddle playing create his comfort zone of both abandonment and control where he is totally relaxed and at home. Included are two of Carty’s own compositions the reel “What Brought You in There” and “Maggie’s Afternoon Nap", a swingy little tune that just captures the fun, joy and musicality that is At the Racket.
Mike's timeless tenor guitar playing has brought a new freshness to the racket sound. Whether it be on bouzouki, tenor guitar or guitar Mike has a maturity and experience that belies his young years. One of the hottest young accompanists in the country!
Details of the launch tour can be found here.
Copies can be purchased here.
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The Queen Meadbh Suite
| | Tuesday, July 15, 2008
‘The Queen Meadbh Suite’ will be performed on the opening night of Boyle Arts Festival on Friday 25th July at 8pm in the Church Ireland. It is a unique collaboration between John and poet Ann Joyce. This confrontation of two separate traditions develops into a triumphant collaboration utilising violins, flute, guitar, bodhran and voice. The poetry and music leads the audience on a journey through the ancient Celtic landscape of 1st century Ireland, through the wilderness of Connaught, the journey to Cuailgne for the cattle raid and onto the battlefields encountering on route Cuchulain, Ferdia, the white bull of Connaught, Finnbeannach, and the brown bull of Cuailnge. You may hear the ghostly clash of swords and battle axes, the angry shouts of men as they fought, killed, and died. The music ranges from dramatic reels and up beat march tempos to laments and plaintive songs and encompasses the many moods of the legend: passion, greed, loss, rage, the frenzy of warfare, the passion in the hearts of warriors, and the intoxicating power of Meadbh the Warrior Queen.
‘The Queen Meadbh Suite’ is an emotive, symbolic work and includes three original songs composed by Ann Joyce and John Carty and performed by soloist Louise Gaffney. Other performers include John's son James on second Violin, Eoin Coughlan on bodhran and Francis Gaffney on guitar.
The performance promises to be a unique concert experience.
Full details can be found here
Early booking is advised |
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