The much-anticipated new album HEATHER DOWN THE MOOR from Gatehouse launches at their concert on 21st June at the Roscommon Arts Centre. The CD is published on the Gael Linn label.

They have gone from strength to strength since the release of their critically-acclaimed album, Tús Nua, in 2016, also on the Gael Linn label. Receiving a rare 5-star review from The Irish Times - the album was described as “an unerring gem” and “in that elusive “must have” category for years to come”.

The band’s members John and Jacinta McEvoy, Rachel Garvey and John Wynne are steeped in traditional music and it’s no surprise that they are sought after to teach and mentor younger musicians at various Summer schools all over the country. The singer of the band is Rachel Garvey is an All-Ireland winner in both Irish and English song.

On this, their second record, they have augmented their arrangements and supplemented their core sound with additional instruments, sounds and colours, all adroitly guided by the hand of producer Dónal O’Connor. They have assembled some of Ireland’s finest musicians: John Joe Kelly on Bodhrán, Alan Kelly on Piano Accordion, Michael McCague on bouzouki and Conor & Paddy McEvoy on Fiddle & Piano.

The album also features new tune compositions from the group’s fiddler, John McEvoy which were created especially for this record. “John’s compositions give us a unique sound and, as if by osmosis, seem to fit into the musical style of north Connacht”. Jacinta explains “There a great lift, flow and rhythm to the music. Reels and jigs are the most commonly played tunes. There is great joy and heart in the musical style, I think.”

Gatehouse – www.facebook.com/Gatehouse-1051993304819851/
www.gatehousetrad.ie