Moya Brennan, Voice of Clannad and First Lady of Celtic Music is touring internationally to showcase her new studio album Canvas. She comes to the UK in March 2018
When Bono stated recently, “I think she has one of the greatest voices the human ear has ever experienced”, he was heralding what many people know already about Moya. She sings like nothing you’ve ever heard before! So it makes sense that her live solo shows – with all the musicality and power of Clannad but with added, heart-warming intimacy – should be such a rich and moving experience. Her effortless vocals and timeless music pay homage not only to her vibrant traditional Irish heritage but also her grasp of contemporary forms. This is very much in evidence on her new album which was largely co-written with her daughter and son, Aisling (25) and Paul (23) who are both in her band along with Irish harp and violin virtuosos, Cormac De Barra and Lia Wright.
With Clannad Moya rose to prominence with a pioneering approach to traditional music which has garnered them 15 million record sales worldwide and a string of awards, including a Grammy in 1998. Their sound has since become the benchmark for the Celtic music genre. Sister Enya joined Clannad for a time before pursuing her own successful career.
Moya’s solo career has continued that success with 9 albums to her credit and more in the pipeline. Her live show has developed into a visual (as well as sound) spectacle with rhythm, atmosphere and vibrant harmony.
Besides her solo work Moya has been much in demand for a number of other projects and is both vociferous and active in her championing of Irish arts and culture abroad. Her career to date includes 25 albums, numerous film scores and she has sung with many great artists, including The Chieftains, Robert Plant, Paul Brady, Shane MacGowan and, of course, Bono.
Her voice continues to be in demand in dance music and includes collaborations with Chicane (Saltwater), DJ Roger Shah and Schiller.
“Ireland is changing rapidly but one thing that remains constant is our love of music and wanting the whole world to hear it. I love being part of that”, says Moya.
Moya Brennan: UK Tour Dates March 2018
8 Theatre Severn – Shrewsbury – 01743 281 281
9 Junction – Goole – 01405 763 652
11 The Forum – Barrow-in-Furness – 01229 820 000
12 City Varieties Music Hall – Leeds – 0113 243 0808
14 Sage Gateshead – Gateshead – 0191 443 4661
15 The Atkinson – Southport – 01704 533 333
16 The Plough Arts Centre – Torrington – 01805 624 624
17 Pizza Express Live, Holborn – London – 020 7831 5305
18 Acapela Studio – Cardiff – 029 2089 0862
20 The Glee Club – Birmingham – 0871 472 0400
22 The Met – Bury – 0161 761 2216
23 The Apex – Bury St Edmunds – 01284 758 000
24 Ropetackle Arts Centre – Shoreham-by-Sea – 01273 464 440
25 Folk In the Barn – Canterbury – 01227 831 493
Band:
Moya Brennan – Vocals and Harp
Cormac De Barra – Harp, Bodhran and Vocals
Aisling Jarvis – Guitar, Bouzouki, Whistle and Vocals
Lia Wright – Violin and Vocals