"Casadh na Taoide is a truly outstanding recording from Líadan, a group who have firmly established themselves on this their second album as a genuine force to be reckoned with. Well-chosen and well-crafted sets of tunes perfectly showcase Líadan’s instrumental supremacy culminating in a sound that is both refreshingly new yet at the same time respectful of the tradition in which these six girls are so obviously steeped in. Rarely have I heard such exquisite and heartfelt vocal gems as those found on Casadh na Taoide. Individually they deliver standout vocal performances that are further enriched by their beautifully ethereal and almost sibling sounding harmonies reminiscent of an early Clannad or Skara Brae. Enough said, buy it and delight in it as much as I have." ~Kevin Crawford, Lúnasa
"Líadan make music that is unique and personal and music worth falling in love with." ~Irish Music Magazine
The launch of Líadan’s second CD, Casadh na Taoide/Turning the Tide marks their fifth anniversary as a band. Described by Hotpress Magazine as ‘wildly talented’ and as being ‘The next major global force in Irish traditional music’ by New York’s Irish Echo, Líadan’s mesmerising singing and creative instrumental music have been captivating audiences at home in Ireland and abroad since the band’s formation in Spring 2004. Blending together their rich musical backgrounds, these six talented young ladies create a fresh and exciting sound that explores both traditional and new material. From Galway and Limerick this inspiring all-female band comprises of six members: Síle Denvir, harpist; Deirdre Chawke, piano accordion; Elaine Cormican, whistles. Valerie Casey and Claire Dolan, fiddles; Catherine Clohessy, flute.
The uniqueness of Líadan lies in the deeply traditional essence of their music and in each band member’s ability to shine both instrumentally and vocally. Líadan’s stage presence exudes a group personality that is both vibrant and engaging. Their tune playing features striking string and reed rhythms and accompaniments, while always keeping the melody central to their arrangements. Coupled with that, the members are highly talented vocalists, displaying an astounding ability to move audiences with their settings of traditional and sean-nós songs in the Gaelic and English language, using acapella, harmonies and instrumental arrangements.
Líadan’s distinctive and innovative sound has won them such prestigious awards as ‘Best Live Band’ at the Lorient Interceltic Festival, 2005, and ‘Best Vocal Group’ at the International Pan Celtic Festival, 2005. Following the huge success of their debut album, which was launched in September 2006, the band was invited to tour America and Japan with The Chieftains. They have also played at prestigious venues and festivals such as Carnegie Hall, Áras an Uachtaráin, Milwaukee Irish Festival, Icons Festival, The World Fleadh, Richmond Folk Festival, EBU Folk Festival and the North Texas Irish Festival. Líadan performed on Ireland’s favourite chat show, The Late Late Show in October 2007 and they were also featured on Up for the Match earlier that year (both performances can be seen on www.myspace.com/liadanmusic ).
Líadan’s musical and vocal prowess, their ability to move effortlessly between Irish and English language song, and the traditionally rooted core of their music makes them a force to be reckoned within the Irish traditional band stakes.
Reviews
"Six music masters with master’s degrees in music, Líadan has the instrumental chops, impressive lead vocals, well-executed vocal harmonies, imaginative arrangements, extensive and diverse repertoire, and apparent elan to become the next major global force in Irish traditional music. Genuine talent, not genes, is the ultimate hook here. If their commitment to staying together matches the command they show in performing together, watch out." ~Earl Hitchner, Irish Echo
"Líadan. Six musical, talented women. As you listen to Casadh na Taoide, you will appreciate the amount of time and effort these young, accomplished women have put into their music and their arrangements. A lot of thought, analysis and experimentation has gone into the production of these twelve tracks. I commend them for the beautiful mixture of songs and dance music which they have woven together to give you this album. All six have a deep understanding of music, as you will see from the amount of information and research in the background notes to all the tracks. The more I listen to ‘Casadh na Taoide’, the more the word womanliness comes into my mind. The album is a celebration of the music of the women of Ireland. It is finely polished, smoothly flowing and strong. With this recording, Líadan’s time has come and the tides are with them!" ~Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh, Altan "Having experienced Líadan's live performance captivate audiences at major north American festivals, I'm delighted to sing the praises of their new recording, Casadh na Taoide. Their fresh approach adds colour and verve to both ancient and newer material alike – overall an absolute delight.’" ~John Carty "Líadan’s first full album delivers on the promise shown thus far and introduces an exciting new contender in the Irish traditional band stakes. Featuring 14 tracks of music and song, their instrumental and vocal prowess is displayed in its fullest capacity … Líadan has created a unique style of distinctive interpretation of Irish traditional music. They feature three highly talented lead vocalists all blessed in the Gaelic and English vernacular, where the traditional and sean-nós song idioms gel with suitable acapella, harmonies and instrumental arrangements. Added to striking string and reed rhythms and accompaniments while always keeping the melody central to their arrangements, the contrast between words and music is maintained and an impressive sound canvas created. Líadan has developed an impressive reputation and their first album will only add to the creative flame. While their reputation has risen, Líadan’s trade remains the same. One has the feeling that this is only the beginning of something wonderful." ~John O’Regan, Irish Music Magazine "Líadan is a creative force … On the one hand there is the expected spontaneity, the playing from the heart, the musical honesty, and above all the sound of searching. On the other, there is a very grounded aspect to the sound - something focused and very fine." ~Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin
Selected Special Appearances
• Festival Irlandays, Paris (March 2009) • Geantraí (TG4 TV Appearance, March 2009) • North Texas Irish Folk Festival, Dallas (March 2009) • Celtic Connections, Glasgow (January 2009) • Irish Folk Festival, Germany (October/November 2008) • Richmond Folk Festival, Virginia (October 2008) • Icons Festival, Boston (September 2008) • Goderich Festival, Canada (August 2008) • ‘La Nuit Celte’, Caussade, France (June 2008) • St Patrick’s Day Celebration, Glór Theatre, Ennis (March 2008) • The Late Late Show (RTÉ TV Appearance, October 2007) • Áras an Uachtaráin (Performance for the Irish President, Mary McAleese, October 2007) • Japanese Tour (September 2007) • EBU Cork Folk Festival (Broadcast live on Radio 1, Lyric FM, and European radio, August 2007) • Up for the Match (RTÉ TV Appearance, August 2007) • Milwaukee Irish Festival, USA (August 2007) • Feakle Irish Music Festival (August 2007) • The Chieftains Tour, Japan (June 2007) • The Chieftains Tour, USA (Spring 2007) • Árdán (TG4 TV Appearance, January 2007) • Debut Album Launch, The Village, Dublin (September 2006) • The World Fleadh, Ballybunion, Kerry (August 2006) • The Rose of Tralee Festival, Kerry (August 2006) • Press launch of The Lorient Interceltic Festival (July 2005) • Oireachtas na Gaeilge, Letterkenny (May 2005) • Anniversary of the Irish World Music Centre’s 10th (January 2005) • University of Limerick Foundation Fundraising Gala,Florida (March 05)
