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2 March 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE....
THE BAILEYS RELEASE DEBUT RECORD OF TRADITIONAL IRISH FAVORITES, ....
IN TIME FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION....
Mastered by Hall of Famer Robyn Robins....
From the heart of Ireland comes a new collection of Irish folk songs, performed by two pre-eminent artists in the genre, Michael Banahan and Anthony McDermott. The two friends comprise The Baileys, and A SONG FOR IRELAND is their vital 20-track collection that illustrates the history and beauty of their beloved country.
From the timeless ballad “Fiddler’s Green” and the lilting “The Mountains of Mourne” (penned by the famous Percy French) to the pithy and humorous“ Colcannon,” A SONG FOR IRELAND is an aural patchwork of all that is great about the Emerald Isle. It also includes The Baileys version of Ireland’s most-sung sports anthem, “The Fields of Athenry” – as more than 80,000 people at a football game will passionately sing this song, it’s akin to “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in America (albeit, much less simple).
For more than 25 years, Michael and Anthony have been troubadours across Ireland, from the midlands town of Roscommon to cities like, Dublin, Galway and Cork passing on the great songs in the time-honoured folk tradition. Michael’s compelling vocals combined with Anthony’s expressive guitar drew audiences off all ages, and there’s hardly a village hall or pub in any hamlet of Ireland that hasn’t hosted a Baileys performance. Other parts of Europe have enjoyed the musical magic as well, and this year, America will experience The Baileys as they begin the overseas touring adventure.
Michael is a founding member of Rig the Jig and Anthony joined Rig the Jig two years ago. Rig the Jig released four critically-acclaimed Celtic music records. PASSING THROUGH débuted at #5 on Billboard’s World Music chart. Rig the Jig has been heard on more than 60 NPR stations and performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame, CMT and dozens of festivals across America. Rig the Jig are currently recording their fifth album.
A SONG FOR IRELAND, while taking its foundation from legendary songwriters and storytellers, was mastered with modern clarity and impact by Robyn Robbins. Robyn entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a founding member of the Bob Seger Silver Bullet Band. As a keyboardist, he performed for Staxx and Motown Records, and with Sly & the Family Stone, the Coasters, the Platters and the Commitments. As a producer and masterer with studios in Ireland and Michigan, he’s worked with U2, Van Morrison Damien Rice, Sinead O’Connor, the Saw Doctors, the Bee Gees, Ronnie Wood and many others. Robyn has done a great deal of film work, including much with Jim Sheridan (My Left Foot, The Boxer, In the Name of the Father), Between music and film, he has produced over 2000 releases worldwide, of which 60 have been certified Gold or Platinum.
A SONG FOR IRELAND will be released digitally on March 10th on iTunes and Amazon.com