Focus
Love of the Living Sounds
Composer Karen Power's new album 'human nature' combines recordings of the living world with improvisations from musicians such as Michelle O'Rourke and Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh. James Camien McGuiggan reviews.
The Futures We are Imagining are Too Narrow
Toner Quinn reviews two new works, 'Óró', which brought together artists from around Europe and took place in the Conamara Gaeltacht, and Jennifer Walshe’s live-streamed premiere, 'Ireland: A Dataset'.
Ethereal and Melancholic
Irish composer Linda Buckley this week releases 'From Ocean's Floor', a new album of electronic and chamber work on the NMC label. Adrian Smith reviews.
Quiet, Gentle Wonder
Galway singer-songwriter Niamh Regan's debut album is the surprising inaugural release from new label Black Gate Records. Andrea Cleary reviews.
Leo Rowsome: A Man Ahead of His Time
On the fiftieth anniversary of the passing of the great uilleann piper Leo Rowsome (1903–1970), his daughter Helena Grimes reflects on his legacy and remembers her musical childhood in Dublin.
Surface Tension
Caimin Gilmore, double-bass player with groups such as Crash Ensemble and singer/songwriter with the band Sun Collective, has recently released two EPs: a four-track record of new works for solo double bass, and a collection of songs and instrumentals with Sun Collective. Anna Murray reviews.
What is Irish Hip Hop Telling Us?
A new documentary on the history of Irish hip hop explores the views of current artists such as Denise Chaila, Costello, Ophelia, Kojaque and Mango X Mathman. Is the genre becoming an agent of change in Ireland? Andrea Cleary reviews.
How Can the Arts Plan in This Uncertainty?
The new Covid restrictions regarding indoor and outdoor gatherings have caused even more disruption in music and the arts, just as we thought things might be improving. Is it possible to have confidence about organising an event in this environment, and if not, what needs to be done, asks Shannon McNamee.
Uncovering an Historical Irish Composer
A new record by pianist Niall Kinsella, featuring singers Raphaela Mangan and Gavan Ring and violinist Mia Cooper, presents all of Irish composer John F. Larchet's original songs for voice and piano. Mark Fitzgerald reviews.
Ghosts in the Theatre
Lankum's live-streamed show at the Abbey Theatre, titled 'A National Disgrace', presented an eerie image of the arts today – empty theatres and audiences watching from home. Andrea Cleary reviews.