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
- 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 03. SONG: Rathfriland on the Hill
- Planxty Thomas Burke
- JIGS, REELS: The Woods of Caolrua, Dancing Eyes, The Crock of Gold, The White Fairy 06. SONG: Bánchnoic Éireann Ó
- MARCHES: Jamesy Gannon’s, Triumphal March
- REELS: The Leitrim Rover, The Punchbowl
- SONG: The Blackbird of Mullaghmore
10: BARNDANCE, REEL: Peach Blossoms, The Sunny Banks
- 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
- SONG: Sweet Portaferry
- 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
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.
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By Night & By Day (2010) :: “Get this spectacular piece of musical, trad business. Marvelous” Irish American News
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Enchanted Lady (2007) :: “a well-balanced helping of first-class Irish music” Irish Music Magazine
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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
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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