In 1990 three women from County Galway performed a concert at the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Galway where with no intention of forming a long-standing band. The enthusiastic response to that show convinced them to formalize their musical partnership, and later that year, Dordán (Irish for “hum” or “drone”) was born.
Dordán toured extensively in Ireland as well as the United States, U.K., and most European countries. Although the group had begun as an instrumental trio, within a few years they added vocals to their distinctive sound, which was fast receiving international acclaim for its unique combination of Irish traditional and baroque forms.
Their first album was released in 1991, and in 1993, they won the Irish National Entertainment Award in the traditional musical category and the Galway County Arts Award for traditional music in 1995. Their second album was released in 1994 and their third, The Night Before… A Celtic Christmas was released in 1997.
Coloring Dordán’s unmistakable Irish brogue was the playing of Dublin-born Mary Bergin. The Spiddal resident is recognized as the world’s best tin-whistle player. Mary’s solo albums are much sought after and are regarded as essential and compelling listening material for those with an interest in traditional Irish music.
Extraordinary virtuosity is also readily apparent in the musicianship of Tipperary-born Kathleen Loughnane, a master harper who renders ancient aires and fast-paced, intricately difficult dance numbers with incredibly dexterous ease. Her two books of arrangements for Irish traditional music are an inspiration to the creative efforts of harpers everywhere.
Dearbhaill Siandun is a native of Spiddal, and her upbringing in the Connemara Gaeltacht (Irish speaking region) explains her deep insight into the great songs and aires of the sean nós singing style. Her fiddle and viola playing exhibit extensive classical education and experience, yet, unlike many classically trained violinists, Dearbhaills playing captures the lilts, trills, and restive spirit of the grand tradition of Irish fiddling.
When Dordán decided to include vocals in their music, they needed to look no further than their manager and publicist, Martina Goggin, who had spent several years in the Irish traditional music scene. Born in Limerick and living in the Connemara Gaeltacht of Spiddal, Martina sings both English and Irish lyrics, her songs being mainly in the traditional idiom. “Use of the Irish language is very important to us as a group“, she said. Martina also lent percussion and guitar to Dordán’s sound.
Discography:
Irish Traditional & Baroque Music (Shanachie Records, 1991)
Jigs to the Moon (Gael Linn/Shanachie Records, 1994)
The Night Before…A Celtic Christmas (Narada, 1997)
Celtic Aire (Narada, 1999)
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.