Following the release of their first album together, Love is the Bridge Between Two Hearts, duo John McCusker and Heidi Talbot are teaming up with accordion player Breanndán Ó Beaglaoich and guitarist Paul Meehan for an 11-date tour of Ireland beginning 8 May.

McCusker, from Scotland, is best known as an innovate fiddle-player who has recorded several solo albums, including Goodnight Ginger and Hello, Goodbye, as well as for his performances with artists such as Michael McGoldrick, Kris Drever, Eddi Reader and Mark Knopfler. He was awarded BBC Folk Musician of the Year in 2003.

Heidi Talbot, from Kill in County Kildare but based in Scotland, has established herself on the international folk circuit as both a soloist and with the group Cherish the Ladies. She has released five solo albums including Here We Go 1, 2, 3 and Angels Without Wings. Her recording with McCusker is a mini album with six tracks featuring songs such as ‘Sprig of Thyme’, ’Drink to Me Only with Thine Eyes’ and a new instrumental composition by McCusker.

Singer and accordion player from Kerry Breandán Ó Beaglaoich is well known to Irish audiences through his recordings and performances as a soloist over many years, his work with Boys of the Lough and Beginish, and his duet with Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh. In 2010 he released A Moment of Madness with Ó Raghallaigh and they subsequently toured widely. In 2011, he released his latest solo album, Fé Scáth.

Manchester-born guitarist Paul Meehan was a member of the group Buille with Niall and Caoimhín Vallely and also toured with Lúnasa, Na Dorsa, the Karan Casey Band and North Cregg. In 2015 he released his own solo album, The Lower Road, which features Meehan on banjo and guitar. The Living Tradition  described it as ‘an album of tasteful, unhurried music, showcasing Paul’s talents in playing a breadth of styles.’

For further tour information and to book tickets, visit musicnetwork.ie.

This news item is supported by Music Network.