Folk musicians of a certain vintage are frequently described as being legendary or iconic, but it’s open to debate whether those labels are actually deserved. What’s beyond debate is that there are certain folk musicians whose contributions to the genre are so profound that general consensus is that they’ve most certainly earned that status. Among them is Andy Irvine – headed to Cardiff this month – a musician, singer and songwriter who over the past six decades has done more than his fair share in transforming and popularising Irish folk music and who, at the age of 80, continues to do so.
It all began in 1966 when Andy, Johnny Moynihan and Joseph “Galway Joe” Dolan formed Sweeney’s Men – a band at the heart of the Irish folk revival whose influence, despite releasing only two albums and a handful of singles, still resonates. Andy quit the band after a couple of years, and in 1968 hitchhiked to Eastern Europe, where he made a living as a busker and immersed himself in the folk music traditions of the region that continue to influence his music.
Back home a couple of years later Andy, together with Christy Moore, Donal Lunny and Liam O’Flynn, formed the mighty Planxty, whose impact was so immediate that their first major gig, supporting Donovan in Galway, brought the house down.
Since then, Andy has formed a noted duo with singer-songwriter Paul Brady, recorded with Dick Gaughan and formed a couple of bands that reflect his love of Balkan music. If that wasn’t enough, he’s also been a long-time member of another notable outfit, Patrick Street, formed with giants of Irish music Gerry O’Beirne, Kevin Burke, Jackie Daly and Arty McGlynn.
Throughout his varied career and musical adventures, Andy has continued to travel and tour as a solo musician, something that’s at the very heart of what he does and who he is. As you can discover for yourself when Andy Irvine rolls into Cardiff’s St David’s Hall on Tue 17 May as part of the Roots Unearthed series, and again at Pontardawe Valley Folk Club on Fri 20. Dates that should be in your diary if you want to see a real iconic legend up close and personal.
Buzz also recommends:
Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita. Sublime fusion of Welsh and Senegalese musicians. Galeri, Caernarfon, Fri 6 May; Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea, Sat 7 May; The Tabernacle, Machynlleth, Sat 28 May; Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, Sun 29 May
Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman. Traditional and contemporary folk from husband-and-wife duo. St Mary’s Church, Barry, Fri 13 May
The Unthanks. Big band folk from north-east England. Pontardawe Arts Centre, Thurs 26 May
Please send your folk and roots listings to [email protected] or submit them via the Buzz website.
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