| Murphy, Paige, and Smith
take Beaver Island
This group of professional musicians, Murphy, Paige, and Smith, have timed the release of their new CD (which will be available at their show) of Irish, Scottish, and seafaring folk songs to coincide with their upcoming Beaver Island concert. This will occur at the Parish Hall on Saturday evening, July 25th, when they perform, with their friend, Tommy O'Halloran (direct from Dublin), for Museum Week's Grand Finale.
These performers have been playing professionally for some time in various groups. Colin Paige, whose family emigrated from Canada, has also appeared as a solo artist, singing and playing several instruments. Terry Murphy is a music scholar, as well as a singer and guitar player. Gerard Smith began his career as a rock musician in a heavy metal band, but, as luck would have it, someone pushed him down a flight of stairs and he came to his senses.
Lately this trio has been part of a larger band, Corktown (named after their Detroit neighborhood.) But they have their own unique style, which they illustrate with guitar, mandolin, banjo, bodhran, harmonica, bouzouki, concertina, and tin whistle. Thoroughly steeped in Irish culture, they are sending up an advance copy of their recently-recorded music so that the Island can prepare itself to have a wonderful time.
Bill Cashman comments: "After listening to the tape of the songs on their CD, I was considerably impressed. Ordinarily this kind of music doesn't touch me, but they have such an energetic, emotional approach that I was mesmerized by each song. The instruments blended together in a complex melodic counterpoint to the vocals, which were both hearty and sensitive. Listening sent streams of shivers up my spine. I truly believe this will be a major event in the unfolding annals of Beaver Island's already-rich musical tradition."
Gerard Smith notes: "If we can secure the added guest appearances we hope for, the audience will be in for an additional pleasant surprise." |
