Featuring all new material and including both past and present band members, influential band The London Lasses recently announced the release of their 25th anniversary album, LL25.
The album will be launched with a tour of Irish locations in June and July, including coming to Galway next weekend.
The recording celebrates their musical journey over the past quarter-century and showcases the powerfully traditional signature sound which they’ve become known for.
The album spans four centuries of Irish music, from ‘Planxty Thomas Burke’ penned by the harper- composer Carolan (1670-1738) to newly composed tunes by concertina player Edel Fox, flute player Tommy Fitzharris and harper Michael Rooney.
Captivatingly sung by vocalist Bróna McVittie, the album’s four songs include the beautiful ‘Bánchnoic Éireann Ó (The Fair Hills of Ireland)’, a song in praise of Ireland dating from the 1700s.
“There is great life and energy in the music from start to finish and it’s wonderful to see past members joining the current group for this celebratory recording,” said Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha, Head of Music, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta.
LL25, featuring more than 400 years of Irish musical history, will have a launch event at An Taibhdhearc theatre in Galway City next Saturday, June 3.
LL25 is a celebration of both the close-knit group of musicians who have been part of the Lasses’ story so far, and the long history of traditional Irish music in London, a rich cultural heritage which they are extremely proud to be part of.
As band leader Karen Ryan says, “This album is one that’s very close to my heart. It brings together 16 wonderful musicians and brings back a lifetime’s worth of musical memories and friendships.”
Since first getting together for an informal tour of the US in 1997, The London Lasses have performed at some of the biggest festivals and venues in the world.
They include the Royal Albert Hall in London (where they played the first ever BBC Proms céilí), Cambridge Folk Festival, Dublin City Hall, the Concertgebouw, Philadelphia Irish Festival and Glastonbury.
From mellifluous vocals to lively instrumentals, The London Lasses invite you to join them on this special musical journey and experience the beauty and richness of traditional Irish music.
The full list of launch dates for the album is:
- Thursday, June 1 – Matt Molloy’s, Westport (Co. Mayo)
- Friday, June 2 – The Dock, Carrick on Shannon (Co. Leitrim)
- Saturday, June 3 – An Taibhdhearc, Galway (Co. Galway)
- Saturday, July 29 – Fiddler’s Green Festival, Rostrevor (Co. Down)
Album Track List:
- JIGS: Caves of Kiltannon, The New Home, The Clare Shout
- REELS: Dandy Dinny Cronin, Moving In Old Decency, Ballintore Fancy, Over The Bridge To Peggy
- SONG: Rathfriland on the Hill
- Planxty Thomas Burke
- JIGS, REELS: The Woods of Caolrua, Dancing Eyes, The Crock of Gold, The White Fairy
- SONG: Bánchnoic Éireann Ó
- MARCHES: Jamesy Gannon’s, Triumphal March
- REELS: The Leitrim Rover, The Punchbowl
- SONG: The Blackbird of Mullaghmore
- BARNDANCE, REEL: Peach Blossoms, The Sunny Banks
- SLIP JIGS: Séamus Connolly’s Favourite, Gort Na Móna, The Night Before Larry Was Stretched
- REELS: Martin Wynne’s No. 4, The Curlew, Nana Jo’s
- SONG: Sweet Portaferry
- REELS: The Culfadda, Farewell to London, Rossmore Jetty
