Artist Profiles: Clannad

Clannad, who hail from Co. Donegal in the North West of Ireland, take their name from the Gaelic word for ‘family’, which is most appropriate for when they started out playing in their father Leo’s bar about 1970 Maire Brennan was accompanied by her brothers Ciaran (vocals, guitar, bass), Pol (guitar, percussion, flute, vocals) and two of their uncles, Padraig Duggan (guitar, vocals, mandolin) and Noel Duggan (guitar, vocals). The Brennans come from a very musical family, their father Leo was a former cabaret band leader and their mother was a school teacher who ran the local choir.

With their reputation growing at a steady pace, they began playing folk festivals in Ireland. In 1973, they released their first album simply titled Clannad which showed a band aware of the Irish music of the time, there was a taste of modern influences as well as traditional songs, sung in the Irish language. In 1975, they released their second album ‘Clannad Two’ which was produced by Donal Lunny of Planxty and Bothy Band fame.

This was followed the following year by the Dúlamán album. By this time, the group’s reputation was spreading throughout Europe, where standing ovations were commonplace. At this point they came to the attention of Tara who recorded their next album Crann Ull which in addition to featuring Maire’s harp playing also featured a fuller band sound which was a feature of their live shows at the time.

In 1981 they recorded their second album with Tara, Fuaim (meaning Sound). For this album, they were joined by their sister Enya on keyboards and vocals. Fuaim’ album the group introduced an even bigger sound with the use of synthesizer, electric guitar, clarinet, saxophone and percussion.

The following year Enya left the group to pursue a solo career and the band set about recording their Magical Ring album (which included ‘Harry’s Game’). This was to prove a major turning point in their career, shooting them to stardom and worldwide recognition.

Pádraig Duggan died in Dublin on August 9. 2016. He was 67.

Noel Duggan passed away in Donegal on October 15, 2022. He was 73.

Discography

Clannad (Phillips, 1973)
Clannad 2 (Gael-Linn, 1974)
Dúlamán (Gael-Linn, 1976)
Clannad in Concert (Ogham Records, 1978)
Crann Úll (Tara Records, 1980)
Fuaim (Tara Records, 1982)
Magical Ring (RCA Records, 1983)
Legend (RCA Records, 1984)
Macalla (RCA Records, 1985)
Sirius (RCA Records, 1987)
Atlantic Realm (RCA Records, 1989)
The Angel and the Soldier Boy (RCA Records, 1989)
Anam (RCA Records, 1990)
Banba (RCA Records, 1993)
Lore (RCA Records, 1996)
Landmarks (RCA Records, 1998)
Clannad: Live in Concert (Koch Records, 2005)
Clannad: Christ Church Cathedral (ARC Music, 2012)
Nádúr (ARC Music, 2013)

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.