Sarah Markey – Leaving Lurgangreen (self-release, 2022)
Flute master, singer and harp player Sarah Markey represents a new generation of Scottish musicians who are keeping alive the Celtic music traditions of Scotland, Ireland and other regions. Her specialty is the flute, which she plays beautifully, and her music is an exquisite mix of contemporary renditions of traditional folk music from the Irish, Scottish and Asturian tradition as well as original pieces.
“Leaving Lurgangreen”, her debut album, is dedicated to Sarah Markey’s grandmother, Sarah Grant, who was from Lurgangreen, County Louth, Ireland. The Irish roots are clearly visible in terms of arrangements and musical instruments such as the flute, the Bodhrán (Irish frame drum) and the Irish pipes.
In addition to the Irish and Scottish roots, Sarah Markey added Asturian influences. Sarah spent some time living in northern Spain, in the Asturias mountain region, which has Celtic music roots. “I hope you’ll enjoy this collection of music from Ireland, Scotland and Asturias as well as some self-penned tunes and songs.”
Sarah Markey is currently based in Glasgow. She was a 2019 BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year finalist. Sarah has collaborated with some of the British traditional music scene’s top artists, including acclaimed Scottish piper Calum Stewart and Celtic “trad pop” band Mec Lir.
The lineup includes Sarah Markey on flutes, vocals and harp; Marty Barry on guitar, bouzouki and banjo; Charlie Stewart on double bass, fiddle and strings; Jack McRobbie on guitar; Hayley Keenan on piano; Eamonn Nugent on bodhrán; Calum Stewart on uilleann pipes and harmonium; Conor Markey on bouzouki and banjo; and Rubén Bada on bouzouki, guitar, mandola and harmonium.
Buy “Leaving Lurgangreen” from Bandcamp or Amazon.
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.