Teetotallers is a dream combination, comprising 3 of Ireland's highest ranking traditional musicians,Martin Hayes (fiddle), Kevin Crawford (flute) and John Doyle (vocals and guitar). It is a temporary collaboration that could perhaps grow into something bigger if each of these 3 musicians could ever get the time to converge in the long term. I was lucky enough to catch them live last month when they played in Tipperary's Excel Theatre as part of a short Irish tour. It was the first gig I would attend this year and I have to admit, I don't think I could have chosen a better start to the year. I have seen Martin Hayes play live on several occasions (mostly accompanied by Dennis Cahill) , each time a transcending mystical experience, however with Crawford and Doyle the musical horizons are expanded even further.
Dubliner John Doyle's CV includes being the founding member of Irish-American group Solas along with having recently served as band leader for Joan Baez on tour. Not alone being a fine guitarist, his interpretation of a song can sometimes be spellbinding.
Kevin Crawford renowned mostly for his work with Lunasa has just released a new album called 'Carrying The Tune' which I bought a copy of at the gig and will be reviewing later on in this blog. Crawford's playing on the night was extraordinary and combined with the string arrangments of the violin and guitar it made for probably the finest traditional Irish set I have ever encountered.
This is Tetotallers first TV apperance shown on TG4 last month.
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