Concertina virtuoso Niall Vallely enlists his brother Caoimhín on piano (yet another creative member of the legendary clan, so prominent in the Irish arts scene) and guitar powerhouse Paul Meehan to forge a new sound and to take Irish music onward to new frontiers.
- Niall Vallely: Acclaimed throughout the world as one of Ireland's greatest concertina players, Niall Vallely began learning the instrument at the age of seven, taught by his parents Brian and Eithne Vallely, founders of the Armagh Pipers' Club. A founding member of Nomos, he has in recent years performed both in a solo capacity and with musicians such as Karan Casey, Tim O’Brien, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, and Paddy Keenan. In 1999 he released his debut solo album Beyond Words, and in 2003 released Callan Bridge, a collaboration with his brother Cillian (of Lúnasa) on pipes.
- Paul Meehan: A product of thriving Irish music scenes in Manchester, County Armagh, and Cork, Paul recorded three albums with the highly acclaimed North Cregg. He has also spent a number of years touring and recording with Dorsa, the Karan Casey Band, and Lúnasa. In recent years Paul has appeared on stage with the likes of Altan, At the Racket, Paddy Keenan, Tommy Peoples and Liz Carroll.
- Caoimhín Vallely: Like his older brother Niall, pianist Caoimhín grew up in Armagh and began tin whistle lessons at the Armagh Pipers Club before moving to the fiddle. While still only seventeen, he joined the band Upstairs in a Tent, where he played alongside Brian Finnegan (formerly of the band Flook) and Kathryn Tickell. In Cork he co-founded North Cregg. Theater credits include a stint as musical director with the Belfast-based Dubblejoint and playing with Alan Kelly’s dance show “Celtic Legends.” His debut solo piano album Strayaway will be released shortly.
Together Buílle are, in the words of The Irish Times, “As fresh a breath that’s blown through traditional and roots circles in a long, long time.”
Video
“First Of August” at Celtic Connections 2007
Photos
click above to download a print-quality image
