The
Baileys
A Song for Ireland
TC 1105
The
Baileys
A Song for Ireland
TC 1105
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We
are delighted to announce our release of this fine recording.
The Baileys
A Song for Ireland
TC 1105
The
Baileys are
Michael Banahan - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Bodhrán
Anthony McDermott - Acoustic Guitar, Backing Vocals.
The
Irish World. "This debut release of twenty traditional favourites is
a delightful revisit of some classic Irish tracks"..
"From Jackie Sweeney's beautiful painting
on the cover you should get the vibe that this album is something special, then
when you hear the beauty in the grooves, you are full aware that this is a labour
of love. For their first outing, these two well established Irish musicians
have chosen 20 of Ireland's favourite songs and given them a beautiful and very
considerate treatment. Nothing is overplayed, in fact understatement is the
order of the day. With the musicians being a conduit for the songs and with
some consideration you will agree with us that the reason these songs (so often
bullied and underrespected) have become part of the Irish physchee is they are
bloody great songs!
In the hands of The Baileys they are allowed to shine (and bring you their magic)
in the spotlight once more". Copperplate
As soon as they
were old enough to acquire a dubious-looking brown van, Michael and Anthony
began touring the country, passing on great ballads in the time honoured folk
tradition. By now, there’s hardly a village hall or pub in any hamlet of
Ireland that hasn’t yet played host to their electrically-charged performances.
Michael is a founding member of Rig the Jig and Anthony joined Rig the Jig two
years ago. Rig the Jig released four critically-acclaimed Celtic music records.
PASSING THROUGH débuted at #5 on Billboard’s World Music chart.
Rig the Jig has been heard on more than 60 NPR stations and performed at the
Country Music Hall of Fame, CMT and dozens of festivals across America. Rig
the Jig are currently recording their fifth album.
Times have changed, however. With the music industry awash with complex fusion works and variations of Irish music, demand for a truly organic Irish sound has soared. Michael and Anthony caught the crest of this wave, enjoying a success that has seen them play to massive audiences in theatres and folk music clubs across Ireland.
Where The Baileys
go, true aficionados follow. Theirs is a gift that transcends national boundaries.
Attention music lovers everywhere. If you’ve been noticing a yawning gap
in your current musical diet, worry no more. Irish folk singing sensation The
Baileys are about to enrich your diet by unleashing a sensational new album
onto the World stage. Brace yourselves for a taste explosion. The Baileys, all
the way from the heart of Ireland, have a plethora of musical ingredients to
dazzle the palate. And well they might. Life-long friends Michael Banahan and
Anthony McDermott boast an impressive pedigree, steeped in the folk tradition
since the embryonic stage. Now, to the delight of their ever-increasing fan
base, they’ve put their unique energies together to create an album that
perfectly encompasses the beauty and history of Irish folk songs. Make no mistake;
this collection of 20 songs is a vital addition to the collection of any discerning
folk song lover.
From the timeless ballad “Fiddler’s Green” and the sorrowful yearning of “Raglan Road” to the pithy and humorous “Colcannon” and the aching beauty of the sports anthem The Fields of Athenry, this new offering from The Baileys is an aural patchwork of all that is great about the Emerald Isle. Throw in the fast-paced “Rocky Road to Dublin”, truly a song with a rhythm of its own, and it makes for an album that is truly a balm to the music lover’s ears.
It’s a recording
that has been stewing for a long time in the minds of these two talented troubadours.
For over a quarter of a century, they’ve been honing their talents along
the highways and byways of Ireland. From their childhood days in the midlands
town of Roscommon, they eschewed fairytales and nursery rhymes in favor of learning
some of the best folk songs their country has to offer. “Sullivan’s
John” was one of the first songs ever carried by Michael’s compelling
voice, accompanied by the pulsating chords of Anthony’s hard-working guitar.
Of course, no self-respecting Roscommon musicians would reach adulthood without
their own well-practiced rendition of “The Mountains of Mourne”; the
lilting ballad penned by the county’s most famous writer Percy French.
Press
Reviews
Rambles.net
Whether or not you've been to Ireland, this 20-track CD will have your heart longing for its shores.
The Baileys are the real thing. Sure, the Irish music tradition these days is saturated with world-music influences and glitzy electronics, but these two gents -- Michael Banahan and Anthony McDermott -- are the true, pure sound of Irish songcraft. Having honed their art over more than two decades of touring the pubs and venues of their lush green countryside, they now offer their music to the world with A Song for Ireland.
Both men sing, with Banahan on lead. Both play acoustic guitar, and Banahan sometimes adds bodhran. For this recording, they've added several welcome guests: Paul Gurney on piano, bass, accordion, guitar and percussion, Noel Carberry on uilleann pipes and whistles, Aoife Kelly on fiddle, Johnnie Duffy on banjo and Danny Sheerin on backing vocals. It combines for a full sound that is never crowded or overproduced.
But at its heart, this recording is a couple of guys who love their musical tradition and offer it up with touching sincerity. There are no surprises in the song selections here; almost all are familiar, from the opener "Colcannon" through "Rocky Road to Dublin," "Danny Boy," "Black Velvet Band," "The Ould Triangle," "Peggy Gordon," "The Fields of Athenry" and "Spancil Hill," right into the closing track, "Raglan Road."
The songs are slow, sweet and simply presented. They are often sad, mournful but never maudlin. The more sentimental listeners may find themselves misting up every now and again as Banahan and McDermott sing. And, oh, I want to be there, listening to these men sing from a Guinness-soaked bench in a dark Irish pub. And when they're done, I want to shake their hands and tell them they made me miss Ireland so much, I just had to come.
In the meantime,
I'll be listening to A Song for Ireland fairly often -- if I can collect it
again from my father, who would never forgive me if I didn't loan it to him
as soon as I'm done writing this review.
Celtic Music Magazine
The
title of The Baileys debut album “A Song for Ireland” sums up the
entirety of this record. This album acts as a who’s who of favorite, traditional
Irish songs. It unabashedly takes the reader through many of the classics with
the driving purpose to once again put the songs themselves in the spotlight
instead of the performers. Listening to this album instead makes you feel as
if you are in a warm, relaxing pub listening to true Irish folk music the way
it was meant to be played, with sensitivity and emotion.
While this is their first album as a duo, Michael Banahan and Anthony Mc Dermott are no strangers to this style of music. Originally, both Michael and Anthony were two members of another well-acclaimed band, Rig the Jig, and they have both been playing sessions for years. As such, their skill and familiarity with these tunes is highlighted on this album with each successive song.
In “Rocky Road to Dublin” and “Spancil Hill” Michael and Anthony both showcase their dexterity with the fluidity and cleanliness of their instrumentation. In “Arthur McBride,” “Raglan Road,” and “The Fields of Athenry” the beautiful harmonies and stories instead take the center stage. Furthermore, on this album The Baileys treat us to some of the rarer classic as “Colcannon,” “Peggy Gordon,” and “Dublin In The Rare Ould Times.”
In short, if you
love traditional Irish music The Baileys album “A Song for Ireland”
will be a wonderful addition to your collection.Stephen
McSweeney
Greenmanreview.com
The Baileys have been around for a number of years, but are not widely known
on my side of the Irish Sea, mainly in Ireland. However, this could all change
soon. I understand this is their first album as a duo. The experience they have
gained on the road (having gigged extensively in Ireland), and their ability
to 'read an audience' shows not only in their choice of material but also in
the way it is played. This is a superb album of favourite Irish songs that won't
offend anyone. It simply entertains from start to finish.
Sometimes these days artists trying to be too clever often spoils good songs,
It is almost like a step back in time listening to the arrangements and delivery
of the songs; true Irish pub folk as it used to be played when I was a lad.
The Baileys are Michael Banahan on vocals, acoustic guitar and bodhrán
and Anthony McDermott on acoustic guitar and backing vocals. So why are they
called The Baileys? Damned if I know! Perhaps they wanted to call themselves
The Dubliners, but that name had been taken! They are joined on the album by
guest musicians Paul Gurney, piano, bass, accordion, acoustic guitar, and percussion;
Noel Carberry on Uilleann pipes, and whistles; Aoife Kelly playing fiddle; Johnnie
Duffy on banjo and Danny Sherrin singing backing vocals.
The songs, 20 tracks in all, are mostly traditional Irish ballads such as 'I'll
Tell Me Ma,' 'Rocky Road to Dublin,' 'Black Velvet Band,' 'Arthur McBride,'
'The Wild Rover,' and 'Colcannon' to name but a few, and contemporary material
such as 'Fields of Athenry,' 'A Song For Ireland,' 'Fiddlers Green' plus many
more. If you are looking for new arrangements and treatments for these songs,
you will be disappointed. This is not what the album is about. Instead, the
songs are sung as they are supposed to be with sensitivity and taste, very much
as you might expect to hear at any folk club or session. In short they are enjoyable
and entertaining letting the lyrics and melodies speak for themselves.
To sum up, this is the debut album from the Baileys, and it won't be their last.
Here is a band that is commercially viable. It won't be long before they start
to appear on folk club and festival guest lists. They have a web site here with
more information, plus you can hear, and buy the album on-line. Good entertaining
Irish folk at its best. Peter Massey
Piping It In
- Irish American News Chicago USA Nov 2009
While
I'm talking about talented duos, I have to mention what is rapidly becoming
one of my favourite CDs this year, A Song for Ireland by the Baileys. The Baileys
are Michael Banahan and Anthony McDermott, two experienced, talented, traditional
musicians who have created, in this CD, a classic. It contains 20 popular songs
that we all know and have heard many times, but never played and sung this well.
I've recommended this to many folks looking for a traditional CD that they can
use to learn traditional songs and everyone has loved it. It's seldom that you
get this much music performed this consistently well. Some of the tunes, you
ask… here's a few, Colcannon, Homes of Donegal, Rocky Road to Dublin, A
Song for Ireland, The Ould Triangle, Dirty Old Town. See what I mean, classic
songs done in a classic way. If you love the songs, and there are 20 of them,
you'll love the way the Baileys do them. I hope these guys got another CD on
the way, but for the moment I'll just keep playing this one. Jack
Baker
Irish Music Magazine
This album could
probably be best described as a feed of bacon and cabbage after a diet of haute
cuisine.
We all love to try new things and we love hearing new songs but sometimes after
a few albums of all original and experimental songs and music, we long for some
good old-fashioned stuff.
The Baileys give us twenty lovely renditions of songs we have grown to love
and cherish. In addition, they perform them with a clarity and lack of augmentation
that reminds us of the richness of our folk tradition.
“Arthur McBride” gets new life in that we hear the lyrics and therefore
we understand the story and what a wonderful and bloody “short story”
that is even if it was without the melody.
The same goes for “Mountains of Mourne”. Listening to this version
with all the clear enunciation we can appreciate the wit and humour of Percy
French. Recalling the vintage of the song it must have appeared quite risqué
when he first sang of those ladies in dresses that might be for a ball or a
bath.
Other old favourites given new life – without being "re-interpreted
to death" – include “Spancil Hill”, “Danny Boy”
and “Peggy Gordon”.
This album would be an ideal one to just sit and listen to for relaxation. It
would also be a good source for a repertoire for any up and coming band or singer.
Nicky Rossiter
R2
Rock'n'Reel
* * * Sept/Oct 09
Many of the twenty songs on this no-frills potted history of Irish folk music
have been done to death-standards like 'Homes Of Donegal'(Paul Brady), 'Rocky
Road To Dublin' (The Dubliners, The Chieftains with The Rolling Stones, Damien
Dempsey), 'Danny Boy' (everyone!) and 'Raglan Road'(Van Morrison, Joan Osborne).
But it's
The Baileys' insistence on stripping them to their core, getting close to their
very root, which makes A Song For Ireland work.This is folk as it used to be
played when I was a lad, folk without pretension or adornment-straight from
the folkin'heart, if you like.
And if the
honest but rudimentary vocals don't grab you, well the songs surely will. Who
wouldn't want to hear the title track, 'Black Velvet Band', The Ould Triangle'
or 'Sullivan's John' again? David Burke
Fatea
Magazine
One of the things I really love about Irish music is the depth to which they
reflect people and places, a point "A Song For Ireland" brings home
across it's twenty odd tracks. There's quite
a populist selection amongst the song selection, but that's not a problem as
The Baileys really do them justice, something that's absolutely essential when
a song is well known as the likes of "Dirty Old Town". The arrangements
are kept simple to ensure that the focus remains firmly on the songs, it's an
album for relaxing and listening to, perhaps with a pint or two.
Something they make very easy.
The
Irish Post 7.8.09
Baileys' cream of Irish favourites
I
had not heard of The Baileys before this CD landed on my desk so I was not sure
what to make of it. At first glance it seemed like yet another collection of
well-known and already much-recorded songs that some people would say have been
done to death by so many artists - and I don't exempt myself and Malcolm Rogers
from this.
If you are looking for new treatments and imaginative arrangements of these
songs then you will be disappointed but then that is not what this album is
about. Every time you record a well-known song there are of course the inevitable
comparisons with other artists but The Baileys seem to have transcended that
by going for simple, basic but tasteful arrangements and letting the lyrics
and the melodies speak for themselves, and it works very well.
The album can seem quite pedestrian and one-paced at times so I kept waiting
for a track to lift it but it just didn't happen. Yet there is an honesty and
earnestness about this record.
There are no pretentions whatsoever. Michael Banahan's voice treats the songs
with total respect, sincerity and affection as befitting the content (unlike
a lot of big-time artists) and Anthony McDermott's harmonies blend perfectly
which indeed is one of the strengths of the album. You just sense without being
told that these guys have clocked up the miles together and know exactly what
they are doing.
The guest musicians on the album are used sparingly and sensibly with Noel Carberry's
uilleann pipes and whistles blending in nicely. Aoife Kelly on fiddle, Johnnie
Duffy on banjo with added backing vocals from Danny Sheerin all play their part.
However a special mention must go to Paul Gurney who did a terrific job engineering
and mixing the recording as well as contributing piano, bass, accordion, guitar
and percussion.
Engineers are far too often the unsung heroes in recording studios and rarely
get the recognition they deserve. Joe Giltrap.
www.netrhythms.com
This
disc collects together 20 of the “best-known of Irish songs” –
best-known and best-loved, that is, in the accepted sense and as understood
by the man in the street (I’ll address that caveat/distinction later…)
– in sensibly unsentimental, understated and underplayed (almost to the
point of seeming plain) performances by Michael Banahan and Anthony McDermott,
both members of acclaimed outfit Rig The Jig, who for the purposes of this exercise
(and for some reason I can’t fathom) have chosen to call themselves by
the unprepossessing name of The Baileys.
These are affectionate, genial, commendably polished and admirably conservative (though not especially sedate) renditions which make a virtue out of their intrinsic Irish character and its lovable honesty. There are no discernible flaws in execution and no crass misjudgements or lapses in taste, but that’s as far as it goes really, for equally there’s not anything much to wildly excite herein (that’s not to say that many of the actual songs themselves, or the conventional alternative – the rabble-rousing rough-house-rowdy approach of the Clancys/Dubliners school – would necessarily excite me much either). Apart, that is, from an empathic take on A Song For Ireland itself and a particularly thoughtfully-turned version of The Ould Triangle… these, more than any other tracks, make it clear that this project is rather a labour of love for Michael and Anthony, who are companionably accompanied on their worthy mission by guest musicians Paul Gurney, Noel Carberry, Aoife Kelly and Johnny Duffy (on piano, bass, accordion, fiddle, banjo, uilleann pipes and whistles) in straightforward and unfussy arrangements.
Hereby refreshingly
stripped of the customary layers of ages of grimy pub, club and showband sentimentality,
these renditions of the songs that represent the Irish psyche together form
a classy,
and in the end likeable enough, tourist’s-ear-view of popular Irish song,
I’d say. So if you want to hear, and own for posterity, these reliable,
pleasing and sufficiently definitive versions of such
hoary old traditional and composed “Irish standards” as I’ll
Tell Me Ma, Rocky Road To Dublin, Star Of The County Down, Peggy Gordon, The
Wild Rover, Sullivan’s John, Mountains Of Mourne, Black Velvet Band, Rare
Ould Times, Fields Of Athenry, Spancil Hill, Raglan Road and Danny Boy, together
with efficient renditions of songs which have been eagerly (if contentiously)
adopted by the Irish
as part of their own modern tradition (Fiddler’s Green, Dirty Old Town)…
then this generous 76-minute compendium will satisfy, to be sure. David
Kidman
The
Irish World
This
debut release of twenty traditional favourites is a delightful revisit of some
classic Irish tracks..
The Baileys are Michael Banahan (vocals), a founding member of Rig the Jig and Anthony McDermott (guitar), who joined the band two years later. Rig the Jig released four critically-acclaimed records, have appeared across Europe and the US, and are currently working on album no. five.
Two friends, and troubadours in the time-honoured folk tradition, as soon as they got a hold of a dodgy-looking brown van, Michael and Anthony set off across Ireland to pass on the culture and history of their homeland, through a set of beautiful traditional ballads. There are few pubs, town halls or hamlets that can say they haven't played host to these two.
On A Song For Ireland, the duo have committed these tracks to record. With a proliferation of bands that fuse traditional with world music, jazz and other genres - some with stunning results, The Baileys represent the need, simultaneously, for a truly organic, pure Irish sound.
Given a modern touch by Hall of Famer Robyn Robins (who has produced for Van Morrison, Damien Rice and U2 to name but a few), the debut album nonetheless has a timplpss mialitv. inrhirh'n? well-loved tunes such as "Fiddler's Green", "The Wild Rover", "The Mountains of Mourne", one of Ireland's greatest ever sports anthems, "The Fields of , Athenry" and the light-hearted "Colcannon."
Don't go looking
( for cutting edge music I on A Song For I Ireland, as you'll be I barking up
the wrong ! tree. But nor should i you make the I mistake of looking at I the
track-list and tthinking, 'Here we |go again...' as it's jkhoc full of songs
that have been done to death. Why? Because you'd be missing a trick. Traditional
standards, when done with heart and imagination, can be reborn, and The Baileys,
with their careful arrangements and love for wandering through the back pages
of Irish traditional music, have done just that. Songs are given a fresh lick
of paint - and classic versions of tracks you've always held dear may even end
up having to take second place to a few of these... Shelley
Marsden
FolkWords.com
‘A Song
for Ireland’ - pure gold from from The Baileys (July 15, 2009)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Irish folk tradition – too often successive artists dredge up the same
old, same old when it comes to recording traditional songs. Then occasionally
someone comes up with pure gold. I’m happy
to tell you that if you love the Irish tradition the new album from The Baileys
– ‘a Song for Ireland’ will not disappoint. This is traditional
Irish song as it should be sung.
The Baileys are Michael Banahan (vocals, acoustic guitar, bodhran) and Anthony
McDermott (acoustic guitar). On this album they add guests Paul Gurney (piano,
bass, accordion, acoustic guitar and percussion) Noel Carberry (uilleann pipes
and whistles) Aoife Kelly (fiddle) Johnnie Duffy (banjo) and Danny Sheerin (backing
vocals). And that mix is just right.
This gentle and
restful amble round the woven wonders of Irish song is carried by Michael’s
richly crafted voice. Borne by an intricate yet infinitely subtle musical web
it leads you to hidden places.
You may well recognise the songs, you may have heard them dozens of times before,
but this album is as fresh as distilled dew on a green grass morning.
In this album many of those traditional songs that inumerable bands have done to death, earn a new life. From ‘Rocky Road to Dublin’ and ‘A Song for Ireland’ through ‘Black Velvet Band’ and ‘Peggy Gordon’ to ‘Dirty Old Town’ and ‘Fiddlers Green’ - the deft touch of true musicians is there for all to hear.
If there’s
a place in your heart (and ears) for the Irish tradition delivered with care
and consideration add this album to your collection. But be prepared, you may
grow to despise some of the
versions you already have. Tim Carroll
FOLKWAX (06/25/09)
A Perfect Example of the Genre, 10 out of 10!
Our brethren over at BluesWax have a description that they use for those players
who are most true to the traditional roots of the Blues. It is "real deal."
When it comes to traditional
Irish songs there couldn't be a better description for The Baileys. They are
the real deal.
On A Song For Ireland the duo offers the epitome of traditional Irish song.
This is not the modern version of fast-paced instrumental playing so popular
among the new Trad crowd.
In fact the instrumentation here is very predictable, it is just what is supposed
to accompany these songs and the only real steps outside are some pipes and
whistles from Noel Carberry.
This is the songs as they have been handed down from one voice to the next.
And songs they are, built around the voice of Michael Banahan (you might remember
him as a founder of Rig The Jig). And what a voice; it is the voice for which
these songs were meant. It is organic, peaty, and true. It is simply a joy to
hear him present these songs that we have heard so many
times.
In many ways listening to The Baileys (Banahan and his partner Anthony McDermott)
play these songs is to hear them for the first time. Having heard many of these
traditional songs ("Colcannon," "Star of County Down," "Black
Velvet Band," and many more) played in hundreds of pubs in dozens of countries
and having played many myself, upon hearing The Baileys
I realized that I had been hearing and playing them in a way slightly untrue
to the roots. Somewhere along the way they all got sped up to a more modern
pace. Here they are presented with the patience and care from which they were
bred. Here it is the energy of the song itself that carries, not the energy
of the singer. This is as these songs were meant to be sung.
And there is a reason for that truly perfect presentation. For more than twenty-five
years, these boys have played virtually every place in Ireland where this music
is played, where this music was born. There is the proper dose of Irish haunting
where it belongs and never too much joy where tha belongs. Even that chestnut
"Danny Boy," which usually means a trip to the
bar for me to avoid the disappointment of yet another not-quite-on-the-mark
version, is as it should be, with it's underlying richness apparent and it's
obvious point not too pointed.
Again, it is just right.
If you are the sort who loves traditional Irish songs you need look no further,
this is a perfect example of the genre. It is the real deal.
Jason Wesley is a founding editor
of FolkWax.
THE BAILEYS RELEASE DEBUT RECORD OF TRADITIONAL IRISH FAVORITES, ....
Mastered by Hall of Famer Robyn Robins....
From the heart of Ireland comes a new collection of Irish folk songs, performed by two pre-eminent artists in the genre, Michael Banahan and Anthony McDermott. The two friends comprise The Baileys, and A SONG FOR IRELAND is their vital 20-track collection that illustrates the history and beauty of their beloved country.
From the timeless ballad “Fiddler’s Green” and the lilting “The Mountains of Mourne” (penned by the famous Percy French) to the pithy and humorous“ Colcannon,” A SONG FOR IRELAND is an aural patchwork of all that is great about the Emerald Isle. It also includes The Baileys version of Ireland’s most-sung sports anthem, “The Fields of Athenry” – as more than 80,000 people at a football game will passionately sing this song, it’s akin to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in America (albeit, much less simple).
For more than 25 years, Michael and Anthony have been troubadours across Ireland, from the midlands town of Roscommon to cities like, Dublin, Galway and Cork passing on the great songs in the time-honoured folk tradition. Michael’s compelling vocals combined with Anthony’s expressive guitar drew audiences off all ages, and there’s hardly a village hall or pub in any hamlet of Ireland that hasn’t hosted a Baileys performance. Other parts of Europe have enjoyed the musical magic as well, and this year, America will experience The Baileys as they begin the overseas touring adventure.
Michael is a founding member of Rig the Jig and Anthony joined Rig the Jig two years ago. Rig the Jig released four critically-acclaimed Celtic music records. PASSING THROUGH débuted at #5 on Billboard’s World Music chart. Rig the Jig has been heard on more than 60 NPR stations and performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame, CMT and dozens of festivals across America. Rig the Jig are currently recording their fifth album.
A SONG FOR IRELAND, while taking its foundation from legendary songwriters and storytellers, was mastered with modern clarity and impact by Robyn Robbins. Robyn entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a founding member of the Bob Seger Silver Bullet Band. As a keyboardist, he performed for Staxx and Motown Records, and with Sly & the Family Stone, the Coasters, the Platters and the Commitments. As a producer and masterer with studios in Ireland and Michigan, he’s worked with U2, Van Morrison Damien Rice, Sinead O’Connor, the Saw Doctors, the Bee Gees, Ronnie Wood and many others. Robyn has done a great deal of film work, including much with Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, The Boxer, In the Name of the Father), Between music and film, he has produced over 2000 releases worldwide, of which 60 have been certified Gold or Platinum.