Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Robbie O’Connell brings an inspired vision and new voice of Ireland to American audiences. Robbie O’Connell was born in Waterford, Ireland and grew up in Carrick-on-Suir, County Tipperary. In 1979 he moved to the United States, to Franklin, Massachusetts.
First coming to international prominence touring with his legendary uncles The Clancy Brothers, he has appeared in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. Loved by metro audiences for his appearances with Green Fields of America, Seamus Egan (of Solas) and Eileen Ivers (of Riverdance), O’Connell’s songs have been recorded by celebrity artists such as American country artist Kathy Mattea.
In 1993 he released “Never Learned to Dance,” an album of original songs. This was followed by “Older But No Wiser” with the Clancy Brothers in 1995. Next came the “Clancy, O’Connell & Clancy” album.
In 1998 Robbie released “The Wild and Wasteful Ocean” CD with Liam and Dónal Clancy. That same year, two additional albums came out: “Robbie O’Connell, Live, Humorous Songs” and “All on a Christmas Morning” with the group Aengus.
“Recollections,” a twenty-year complication album was released in 2001.
In 2006 Robbie started an ongoing collaboration with his cousins Aoife and Donal Clancy. The Clancy Legacy, their first album together was released in 2010.
In 2009, the second album by the Green Fields of America project came out.
Alternating between heart-breaking tragedy and side splitting hilarity, O’Connell’s songs define the Irish condition, both for natives and American-born, in intriguing and enthralling ways. His intimate, breathy tenor has long been a treat, and his wonderful sense of pace, effortlessly moves his listeners from profound sadness to riotous laughter.
Discography:
The Clancy Brothers With Robbie O’Connell – Live! (Vanguard, 1982)
Close To The Bone (Green Linnet, 1982)
There Were Roses (Green Linnet, 1986)
Kilkelly *Green Linnet, 1987)
Tunes ‘N’ Tales Of Ireland (Folk Era Records, 1988)
The Love Of The Land (Green Linnet, 1989)
Never Learned To Dance (Green Linnet, 1993)
Older But Not Wiser (Vanguard, 1995)
Clancy, O’Connell & Clancy (Helvic Music, 1997)
Humorous Songs – Live (Celtic Media, 1998)
Recollections Vol. 1 (2001)
The Wild & Wasteful Ocean (Helvic Music, 2002)
The Clancy Legacy (2010)
The Greenfields of America (Compass, 2009)
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.
