Connla
2019 Album of the Year Live Ireland
2018 Concert of the Year – Livvies Awards – Live Ireland
2016 ‘Best New Group’ from Live Ireland ‘Livies’ Award.
2016 ‘New Group of the Year’ from Top TIR award – Irish American News.
Sometimes the Irish trad music cosmos lines up for something special and a new group or a solo artist appears. It is instant and hits like a musical storm. Connla.
Hailing from the cities of Armagh and Derry and are made up of Ciara McCafferty (vocals), Ciaran Carlin (Flute/Whistles) Paul Starrett (Guitar) Emer Mallon (Harp) and Conor Mallon (Uilleann Pipes/Whistles).
Labelled as the Hottest New Group out of Northern Ireland, (Chicago Irish American News) Connla have been quickly making an impact on the folk/traditional scene. Songlines magazine made Connla their “must see act” for the tour of the UK and stated “A band this young shouldn’t be this good”. Their sensitive and innovative arrangements of traditional and modern folk songs and tunes, have helped them create a sound which is very identifiable as Connla. They have toured all around Europe and North America.
The group is a full mix of musical knowledge, training and performance experience unheard of in a group this young. All are close friends and/or family who go way back together in the Northern musical scene. Each has won several performance awards. The resulting music is satisfyingly complex, yet directly and easily accessible. This is that rare group that is musically attractive to the experienced trad purist, as well as the music fan who knows nothing of the music. There is the mix in all of their music of great lift to the music and deep insights in the songs, all coupled with top musicianship and taste. Truth be told, it may never have been pulled off before by a group this young. Yesterday and tomorrow’s trad today. Here comes Connla!
“A New Musical Powerhouse is among us. It is from Northern Ireland, and it is Connla. Wow!” – Irish Music Magazine
Connla are :
Ciara McCafferty – Vocals
Ciaran Carlin – Flute/Whistles
Paul Starrett – Guitar
Emer Mallon – Harp
Conor Mallon – Uilleann Pipes/Whistles
“A band this young shouldn’t be this good.” – Songlines Magazine
“Must see act.” – Songlines Magazine
“Intoxicating – their own musical heritage is superbly showcased” – R2 Magazine
“Folk sensations” – The Herald
“Irish Music at it’s best….A stunner!” – Irish Music Magazine
“It is a must have for you, not if you love Irish Music, but if you just love music.” – Live Ireland
www.connlamusic.com
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