Altan

With a career in Irish music for 35 years, Altan has achieved legendary status in a genre that has been equally shaped by the band’s influence and genius. Audiences from Ireland to Japan to Australia to Europe have embraced their heartwarming, dynamic live performances and their exquisitely produced, award-winning recordings. Over a dozen releases to date, ranging from the most touching old Irish songs to hard-hitting reels and jigs. Altan’s newest release, The Gap Of Dreams (2018 Compass Records), follows their acclaimed 2015 album on the same label, The Widening Gyre.

Adding to their long list of awards and honors, fiddler, singer and founding member Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh was the recipient of the Gradam Ceoil/Traditional Musician of the Year in 2017. Though the band received the same award for Band of the Year in 2001, Mairéad was glad to be recognized on her own in a genre that has been slow to recognize female musicians. She is only the third woman in twenty years to receive the main award.

Throughout their career, you’ll find Altan’s unwavering commitment to bringing the beauty of traditional music to contemporary audiences, particularly that of the fiddlers and singers of their hometown in Donegal. Their new book publication, The Tunes (©2017 Altan), marks the first-ever printed collection of this instrumental music. Spanning thirty years, twelve studio albums and comprising 222 tunes across its 206 pages, the book delves into the history, folklore and the composers and musical heroes from whom the music was collected.

The seeds of Altan lie in the music and spontaneity of sessions in kitchens and pubs in their hometown of Donegal, where their music was heard in an atmosphere of respect and intimacy. It is here that the band’s heart still lies, whether they are performing on TV in Australia or jamming with Ricky Skaggs on the west coast of the United States. In spite of a hectic touring and recording schedule, Altan continue fresh in their vision of bringing the beauty and joy of traditional music to audiences everywhere, and have always promised themselves to continue as long as it’s fun — fortunately, it still is!

Reviews

REVIEW: Altan Live In Belfast

"Physiotherapy for the Soul" - The Duncairn Read Review

Gradam Ceoil TG4 2017 Musician of the Year

The multi-talented singer, fiddle-player and broadcaster Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh heads the list of recipients of the 2017 Gradam Ceoil TG4 as Musician of the Year. Founder of the Irish traditional music group Altan, she was featured in several performances during Awards Concert at the Cork Opera House (Ireland), Sunday 19th February, 2017. Watch Awards Ceremony Concert | Read Review

Ricky Skaggs (Grand Ole Opry Intro, 11-Mar-2016)

“I LOVE this next group [Altan] and Irish folk music… it’s really the foundation stone of bluegrass music. Bluegrass was built upon what these people laid. I really love the sound of (Altan’s) music and how they keep it traditional, but yet this group is really great about innovating as well. These folks are heavyweights all over the country but especially in Ireland where they’re respected so much. Listen to episode (time cue at 1 hout 50 minutes) | Read Review

PopMatters Weighs in on The Widening Gyre

"It’s a credit to their perseverance that despite their hardy trajectory, they’re still keen to bend the boundaries and venture into new and as yet unconquered terrain... Altan has made the kind of album that defines them as distinctive." Read Review

The Boston Globe

“More than any Irish group, this Donegal quintet is seen as keeper of the traditional flame.” Read Review

Altan

Intro

Video

"Drowsy Maggie" > "Rakish Paddy" > "Harvest Storm" (Gradam Ceoil TG4 2017 Awards Concert)

"Paddy's Trip to Scotland" > "The Shetland Fiddler" (Frankie Kennedy Winter School Launch, 2011)

"Dúlamán" (from Cambridge Folk Festival, UK, 2003)

(Altan performs with the RTE Concert Orchestra, 2009)

The Gap of Dreams (2018 new CD release promo)

"Buffalo Gals" (from Centennial Theatre, North Vancouver, BC, 2015)

"Dónal & Mórag" (from Fleadh Festival, Cavan, IRE, 2012)

"Back to the Source" (Short documentary directed Jeremy Howard, 2012)

Live Stream (from the Frankie Kennedy Winter School, 2014)

Audio

"Gap Of Dreams" (2018, Compass Records)

Altan traditional audio mix...

Altan w/ Symphony Orchestra mix...

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