Gráda were based in Dublin, Ireland, where they began playing together in 2001. The group drew from a wide range of influences. They worked with Dave Hingerty (ex Frames drummer, now working a lot with Josh Ritter); Vyviene Long (cellist with Damien Rice); and, as a producer, Trevor Hutchinson (Lunasa, Sharon Shannon, The Waterboys). Further additions included Dublin based trumpeter Bill Blackmore, and Danish percussionist extraordinaire, Rasmus Skovmund.
Gráda won new fans via an intense concert schedule and numerous appearances as sidemen. The album Landing Step won them further international acclaim, supported by a hectic summer schedule whose highlights included playing to 12,000 people at Belgium’s Dranouter festival, and closing the weekend with Hayseed Dixie and Tim O’Brien at Tonder in Denmark.
Released in 2004, The Landing Step brilliantly balanced original, contemporary, and traditional elements to create a sound that is at once accessible and refreshingly distinct. Traditional elements were interwoven with a diverse choice of contemporary songs, by writers as varied as Linda Thompson and Oscar Wilde with a wealth of influences including Jazz, Latin, Gypsy, Breton and East European flavors coming in to play. Gráda complement their instrumental virtuosity with an elegant, timeless vocal style. Ireland Europe
In 2011, Gráda disbanded. The band’s members regularly perform together as part of smaller ensembles, although not as Gráda.
Discography:
Off to Sardinia (2001)
Endeavour (Compass, 2002)
The Landing Step (2004)
Cloudy Day Navigation (2007)
Natural Angle (Compass, 2010)
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.
