GARADICE - SANCTUARY

ELEANOR SHANLEY | PADRAIG MCGOVERN | DAVE SHERIDAN | JOHN MCCARTIN

GARADICE
Eleanor Shanley- vocals
Dave sheridan- Flute/Accordion/Keyboards/Bodhran/Whistle/Backing Vocals
John McCartin- Guitar/Baritone Guitar/Accoustic Bass
Padraig McGovern- Uilleann Pipes/Whistles

SPECIAL GUESTS
Dónal Lunney- Bouzuki/Zouk/Bodhrán
Tom Morrow- Fiddle
Eleanor Quaine- Backing Vocals
Neil Lyons- Bodhrán
Kieran Leonard- Drums

Dive into the vibrant melodies and heartfelt stories woven by Garadice, a phenomenal traditional ensemble comprising the remarkable talents of Eleanor Shanley, Padraig McGovern, John McCartin, and Dave Sheridan. With their latest second studio album, "Sanctuary", the band invites you on a captivating musical odyssey that pays homage to the past while embracing the present.

"Sanctuary", is a tribute to the enduring spirit of the working class, drawing inspiration from the poignant song of the same name, originally sung by the legendary Mary McPartland. Crafted by the skilled pens of Vincent Woods and Máirtín O'Connor, the song resonates with the trials and tribulations faced by labourers in the Arigna mines around Drumkeeran in Co. Leitrim. Garadice deftly transforms this historical narrative into an evocative musical tapestry, seamlessly blending tradition with contemporary finesse.

Amidst the album's collection of uplifting jigs and reels including some newly composed pieces, a true gem shines brightly: "Song for Kathryn". Penned by the gifted Don Mescall, this exquisite composition commemorates the love shared by Christy Dignam and his wife, radiating an ethereal beauty that captures the essence of profound connections within any relationship. Garadice's rendition of this mesmerizing piece is nothing short of enchanting, leaving listeners spellbound by its timeless sentiment.

Garadice's musical prowess is elevated by the virtuosic collaboration of Eleanor Shanley's emotive vocals, Padraig McGovern's masterful command of traditional pipes, Dave Sheridan’s intricate and soul-stirring flute and accordion melodies, and John Mc Cartin’s dynamic and rhythmic guitar accompaniment. Together, they breathe life into centuries-old melodies while infusing them with a contemporary vitality that resonates deeply with modern audiences.

In their much-anticipated second studio album, Garadice takes their exceptional musical voyage to new heights by welcoming a constellation of esteemed guest artists. The band's collaboration with luminaries such as Donal Lunny, Tom Morrow, Neil Lyons, Eleanor Quaine, and Kieran Leonard adds an extra layer of brilliance to an already mesmerizing collection of tunes.

"Sanctuary" is more than just an album; it's a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend time and boundaries. With each note, Garadice invites you to embrace the rich heritage of Ireland's musical traditions and to find solace, joy, and connection within its melodies. Get ready to embark on an extraordinary journey with Garadice as they unveil "Sanctuary" and continue to weave their musical magic across generations.

ABOUT THE BAND

ELEANOR SHANLEY

Eleanor Shanley is one of the most loved and respected vocalists in Ireland.  Nearly 30 years since starting her musical career as a vocalist with De Danann, and her voice as pure and lyrical as the first day she stepped in front of a microphone in 1990. Renowned for her unique interpretation of Irish and Roots songs Eleanor has been at the top of her profession since joining De Danann and has recorded many solo albums including Desert Heart, A Place of My Own and her most recent, Forever Young from which her single, the Thom Moore classic Gorgeous and Bright, was the most played track on RTE 1 Radio for the summer of 2015. Eleanor has toured Ireland, Canada, The USA, Europe, China and Japan both as a soloist, together with De Danann and other artists.  She has also recorded with many great musicians including Ronnie Drew with whom she recorded two albums (Ronnie Drew and Eleanor Shanley and El Amor De Mi Vida), Sharon Shannon, Christy Moore, Donal Lunny, U2, The Dubliners and many more.

PADRAIG MCGOVERN

Padraig McGovern hails from Ballymagovern, a townland on the Cavan/Leitrim border. He has recorded with numerous artists over the last decade including a highly accredited duet album with Peter Carberry entitled Forgotten Gems. Padraig recently participated in the highly acclaimed multi-disciplinary project, The Pipes The Pipes, devised by Dónal Dineen. With fellow pipers Leonard Barry and Maitiú O’Casaide and visual artists Lionel Palun and Guillermo Carrion, the show paid homage to the instrument, old pipers, current pipers and also offered and insight into the future of piping.

DAVE SHERIDAN

Dave Sheridan’s flute playing has been described as “a highly accomplished free flowing fluid style, with sound technique and solid driving rhythm” (Hot Press Magazine) and a flute style, which takes on “Lark like qualities” (fRoots Magazine). On the back of his critically acclaimed debut album Sheridans Guesthouse, he released his second solo flute album entitled Drivin’ Leitrim Timber in 2010. This album has received rave reviews, with The Irish Times describing it as “a joy…. a thoughtfully organised collection, that celebrates a fluid free flowing regional flute style….with enough sharp edges to keep the listener’s antennae on high alert for the next hairpin bend”. Dave has recorded with artists from renowned traditional groups like Lunasa, Dervish, At The Racket and De Danann as well as performing on many occasions with the Sligo based band Téada. He has also performed on The Late Late Show, The Ray Darcy Show, Geantrai, The Reel Deal and Fleadh Live.

JOHN MCCARTIN

John comes from County Leitrim. Starting out as a fiddle player, his interest in accompaniment brought him to the guitar. He has played and recorded with artists including Frankie Gavin, Donal Lunny, Dermot Byrne, and Sharon Shannon, as well as bands including Dervish, Lunasa and De Dannan.

Track Listing

1. Two Mile Gate/Brigid McRory/The Woods of Caol Ruadh 04:33
2. Sanctuary 03:39
3. The Prince's Feather/Ted Furey's/Support from America 03:43
4. Song for Kathryn 05:02
5. Robin Kelleher/Tom McElvogue's/Gusty's Frolics 03:55
6. Down by Blackwaterside 03:31
7. Colemans March 05:20
8. Jock O'Hazeldean 03:04
9. Monferrinam in Sol/Galician Carol 04:32
10. The Bonny Labouring Boy 03:28
11. Along Silver Lines/The Dreammaker's Reel 04:07
12. The Valley of Knockanure 03:54
13. The Ballintra Lasses/The Rock Reel/Silver Linings/The Border Collie 03:48

Also available from Copperplate

Sound Samples

Audio

Track 1: Two Mile Gate