ABOUT

Press release 

The London Lasses, LL25 

CICD210 (LoLa Records in association with Cló Iar-Chonnacht) 

CD release 1 May 2023; digital album available now 

“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.” 

Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha, Head of Music, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta 

The London Lasses are excited to announce the release of their 25th anniversary album, LL25.  Featuring all new material and including both past and present band members, the recording  celebrates the band’s 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.

LL25 is also 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, Director of the annual Return to  London Town Festival and one of the leading lights of traditional Irish music in London, 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 including 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 band is  planning a series of live performances in the UK and Ireland to celebrate the release. 

Track list 

  1. JIGS: Caves of Kiltannon, The New Home, The Clare Shout  
  2. REELS: Dandy Dinny Cronin, Moving In Old Decency, Ballintore Fancy, Over The Bridge To Peggy 03. SONG: Rathfriland on the Hill 
  3. Planxty Thomas Burke 
  4. JIGS, REELS: The Woods of Caolrua, Dancing Eyes, The Crock of Gold, The White Fairy 06. SONG: Bánchnoic Éireann Ó 
  5. MARCHES: Jamesy Gannon’s, Triumphal March 
  6. REELS: The Leitrim Rover, The Punchbowl 
  7. SONG: The Blackbird of Mullaghmore 

10: BARNDANCE, REEL: Peach Blossoms, The Sunny Banks 

  1. SLIP JIGS: Séamus Connolly’s Favourite, Gort Na Móna, The Night Before Larry Was Stretched 12. REELS: Martin Wynne’s No. 4, The Curlew, Nana Jo’s 
  2. SONG: Sweet Portaferry 
  3. REELS: The Culfadda, Farewell to London, Rossmore Jetty 
  • Press pack (WAVs, MP3s, high res images, CD booklet notes) available in Dropbox. • Play on Bandcamp. 
  • The London Lasses on Facebook. 
  • Karen Ryan is available for interview. 
  • CD available on request. 
  • Contact: peter.quinn@theartsdesk.com

The London Lasses and Chris O'Malley.

Described by Irish Music Magazine as “one of the best bands on the scene today”, the traditional Irish group The London Lasses have released four critically acclaimed albums with pianist, Pete Quinn.  The band is about to release their 5th album with pianist/guitarist Chris O’Malley. Also newly into the fold is concertina player Brogan McAuliffe. The new CD – featuring guests musicians Colm McGonigle (harp), Maureen Linane (accordion) and Aibhilín Nic Eochagáin (accordion, flute, backing vocals) – launches in 2015. Details will be announced shortly.

  • By Night & By Day (2010) :: “Get this spectacular piece of musical, trad business. Marvelous” Irish American News

  • Enchanted Lady (2007) :: “a well-balanced helping of first-class Irish music” Irish Music Magazine

  • Track Across the Deep (2003) :: “The London Lasses and Pete Quinn’s emergence is vitally important, acknowledging a forgotten voice in Irish music and rebirthing it magnificently” fRoots

  • The London Lasses and Pete Quinn (2000) :: “One of the most remarkable releases of 2000…a fabulously vibrant debut” The Rough Guide to Irish Music

Released in 2010 to celebrate the band’s 10th anniversary, By Night & By Day features an exciting new line-up with the addition of flute player Elma McElligott and singer-harper Brona McVittie. The album delves into a wealth of traditional material from all over Ireland, including songs in Irish and English, plus the full gamut of Irish dance tunes, from the venerably ancient to the newly composed.
 
The London Lasses have toured Germany with the St Patrick’s Day Celebration Festival, performed the first ever ceilidh in the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms, and played at Ireland’s longest running folk festival, Ballyshannon. They have brought their unique sound to some of the world’s most prestigious festivals and concert halls including Cambridge Folk Festival, the Concertgebouw (Amsterdam), Glastonbury, Philadelphia Irish Festival and Sidmouth International Festival.
 
Recent highlights include headlining at Dublin City Hall as part of Temple Bar Trad Festival’s celebration of The Gathering, closing the night after Camille O’Sullivan’s performance at the St Patrick’s Day Festival in Camden’s iconic Roundhouse, appearing on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune, supporting The Chieftains on their 50th Anniversary Tour appearance at the Royal Albert Hall, plus opening and closing TG4’s Christmas edition of the TV programme Féilte.
In addition to featuring on ARC Music’s double CD ‘The Ultimate Guide to Irish Folk’ (2014) and the 3-CD box set Beginner’s Guide to Ireland (Nascente, 2005), the band has appeared on UK and Irish TV including Backstage (BBC Choice), Ardán and Geantraí (TG4), plus a memorable turn on EastEnders (BBC1).’
To find out more about the band, hear their music or buy their CDs, please visit their website at: www.londonlasses.net or join them on facebook at: www.facebook.com/londonlasses