The Alan Kelly Quartet

One of Ireland’s most accomplished musicians, Alan Kelly is piano accordionist, composer and arranger.  Born into the rich musical landscape of Roscommon, Alan began playing whistle at the tender age of 5, before moving onto fiddle, piano and accordion 4 years later.  Determined to become a full time musician Alan moved to Galway, where he quickly became part of the thriving traditional music scene, forging an excellent reputation.

In 1997 Alan’s debut album ‘Out of the Blue’ exploded onto the Trad scene with such impact that he was credited with “making the piano accordion hip again”. During this time he also recorded and toured with Michael McGoldrick on his seminal albums ‘Morning Rory’ (1996) and ‘Fused’ (1999).

In 2000 Kelly released his second solo album ‘Mosaic’, produced by Arty McGlynn.  The album’s South American rhythms and cinematic jazz feel brought Alan’s music to a whole new audience, displaying not only his composition skills but also the breadth of his musical imagination.  Mosaic was voted one of the top 10 TRAD albums by both the Irish Times and Hot Press Magazine.  It was also nominated for ‘Best Crossover album’ by Irish Music Magazine alongside Solas, Afro-Celts, and Sharon Shannon.   Alan Kelly and the Mosaic Band quickly established themselves as one of the hottest live acts on the Irish scene with their exciting blend of traditional, salsa and jazz rhythms.

Alan continued to establish his reputation as one of Ireland’s top musicians touring with De Dannan, Arty McGlynn and Eddi Reader.  He guested with Lúnasa on their Irish tour promoting their album ‘Otherworld’ and collaborated with Alison Brown, the Grammy award winning banjo player on her Irish tour in 2001.

A genuine musician, Alan’s playful, experimental approach to music has been described as “magical, joyous and uplifting … always performed with flair and taste”.  His live performance described as “brilliantly talented, effortless and exuberant”- Irish Times.   Alan doesn’t just play the accordion, he celebrates it in a way that draws you into the passion he puts into his music.

In 2009, Alan released ‘After The Morning’ (Black Box) bringing together a diverse group of superb musicians, most of whom he has worked with over the past decade.  The result is a stunning album, both fresh and mature.  It features the talents of Jim Murray on guitar, Jim Higgins on percussion, Tola Custy on fiddle and Ian Carr on guitar, with guest vocals from Scotland’s Eddi Reader and Kris Drever.  ‘After The Morning’ is fuelled by a rake of self-composed tunes, from the eponymous opener to the meditative ‘Eolann’ and the languid waltz, ‘Siena’.   Siobhan Long (Irish Times) sums it up … “Kelly seamlessly knits contemporary and traditional tunes, proof that a traditional music willing to embrace new influences will not only survive, but thrive. At its heart, the album is an intimate musical conversation between Kelly’s piano accordion and Tola Custy’s fiddle.  Both instruments revel in one another’s company, etching and stencilling their melodies with precision and care, and never succumbing to the temptation to dominate.”

Variety in repertoire is an Alan Kelly hallmark, and his new album reflects it, drawing on musical influences from Brittany to Asturias, to Louisiana.

“a pristine, polished gem” !!!!! - Irish Times

"After the Morning" is an unqualified triumph…superb”, Earle Hitchner, Irish Echo, NY.

“Each of the dozen tracks here is a work of art” Irish Music Magazine.

Video

Sally Ann's Reels - Recorded for Irish TV programme Geantraí

The Conspiracy, Courting them all and The Fairy Reel.

Eddi Reader - Vocals & Guitar and Alan Kelly - Piano Accordian

"Salamanca Samba" by Alan Kelly's Mosaic band.

Set Up Specification

Download Specification here

Official Website

www.blackboxmusic.ie

Band Biogs

Alan Kelly

Joining Alan on stage are three of the finest musicians to emerge from Ireland in recent times.

Tola Custy

Fiddler Tola Custy hails from a Co. Clare family renowned in the world of Irish traditional music.  He became widely known with the release of his solo album ‘Setting Free’ in 1994.  He was a founding member of the band Calico (Irish Music Magazine Best Newcomers Award winners in 1998) and a member of the Bowhouse Quintet.  Tola tours with several groups including Lúnasa, Grada and Guidewires.

Donogh Hennessy

Originally from Dublin, guitarist Donogh was a founder member of the super-group Lúnasa.  He has performed and recorded with many of Ireland’s finest exponents including John Spillane, Pauline Scanlon, Gerry O Connor, Sharon Shannon and Frankie Gavin.  His last album with Lúnasa was nominated for Folk album of the year 2004 in the BBC Radio 2 Awards.

Steph Geremia

Though being a long-time Irish resident, Steph hails originally from New York.  She is recognized as a vibrant, versatile, young emerging face on the traditional music scene playing flute and whistles expertly as well as being an accomplished singer.  Steph has been described as “one of the most promising young flute players around”- Irish Music Magazine.  She has performed and toured extensively with acclaimed artists including The Chieftains, Gaelforce Dance and Líadan.