Beginish was a traditional Irish music band that attracted a lot of attention in the late 1990s. Band members included:
Paul McGrattan, from Dublin’s north side, has been playing flute since an early age and is now regarded as one of the top traditional flute players in Ireland. His first influence was the South Donegal fiddle tradition, which he heard on his holidays in the area as a childlater influences were his uncle Paddy Treacy, Sean Potts and Sligo flute player John Egan. As well as a duet album with Paul O’Shaughnessy, Within a Mile of Dublin, he also released a fine solo album, The Frost is All Over. When not performing with the group Paul spends much of his time teaching the next generation of flute players.
Paul O’Shaughnessy, also from Dublin’s north side, spent much of his youth in Donegal where he developed a love and talent for fiddle playing not only from his mother, Pearl McBride but also from the playing of Antoin MaeGabhann and John Doherty. It was here also that he met and played with musicians such as Frankie Kennedy and Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh whom he later joined for a number of years as a member of the group Altan.
Brendan Begicy comes from a family background steeped in the rich Kerry traditions of music, song, dance and storytelling. He is highly regarded for his skills as an accordion and melodeon player and singer and these aspects of his artistry are well represented in his second solo album We Won’t Go Home ’til Morning. Brendan has recorded with The Chieftains and The Boys of the Lough and has appeared on television, radio and at live concerts throughout Europe and the USA.
Noel O’Grady, who hails from Co. Mayo on the west coast of Ireland, has long been regarded as one of the top bouzouki players in traditional Irish music circles. After a time living and playing in London he returned to his native Mayo where he has been kept busy appearing live and in studio backing some of the genre’s top soloist including Matt Molly, Charlie Lennon, Maighread &Triona Ní Dhomhnaill and Liam O’Flynn’s Given Note Band.
Gavin Ralston was raised in Dublin, and spent summers in his mother’s home region of County Kerry. Indeed, his mother is the well-known singer Josephine Begley, a sister of Brendan. Gavin played guitar from a young age and studied with the brilliant guitarist Steve Cooney. He is a versatile player, able to fit into the young rock bands in Dublin as easily as he fits the traditional music of his heritage.
Discography”
Beginish (Tara Records, 1997)
Stormy Weather (2000)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
