Séamus Egan, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer, was born on July 1, 1969, in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, to Irish migrants Mike and Ann Egan. When he was just three years old, his parents moved the family to County Mayo, Ireland, where he was exposed to Irish accordion music taught by Martin Donaghue. He was also influenced by watching the performances of Matt Molloy and James Galway on television, which inspired him to learn how to play the Irish flute.
At the age of 14, Séamus had already won four different instruments in the all-Ireland championship. He then joined Mick Moloney’s Green Fields of America in 1977 and studied the banjo under Mick’s tutelage. In 1985, Séamus released his own album called “Traditional Music of Ireland.”
In 1992, he became a member of Susan McKeown’s band, The Chanting House, and performed on a live album with fellow bandmate Eileen Ivers. Two years later, Séamus founded Solas, a renowned American Celtic music group, and has been involved on every album they have produced. The group fuses traditional Irish folk music with original compositions that incorporate elements from country, rock, and Americana genres.
With his revolutionary album, “When Juniper Sleeps,” released in 1996, Egan delved into the uncharted territories of the Irish tradition. He seamlessly incorporated intricate Irish reels, while also introducing captivating original compositions and arrangements. Through his masterful production, Egan weaved together immersive soundscapes that enhanced the depth and beauty of the melodies.
In addition to his musical accomplishments, Séamus also recorded music for the movie The Brothers McMullen, directed by Edward Burns, in 1995. He co-wrote the popular song “I Will Remember You” with Dave Merenda and Sarah McLachlan.
As a producer, Séamus has worked with a variety of artists, including American singer-songwriter Antje Duvekot, fiddler Liz Carroll, and singer Karan Casey. He is also the producer for Solas.
Seamus Egan embarked on a solo tour in 2018, accompanied by fellow musicians and guests, under the moniker of Seamus Egan Project. His performances paid homage to the early days of Solas in the 1990s. Solas was initially a group of friends who gathered to enjoy the lively Irish sessions that took place in Philadelphia and New York. Egan fused the thrilling pace and conviviality of these late-night sessions with a nuanced appreciation for intricate arrangements and composition. This was inspired by his love for a diverse range of musical genres, such as jazz, classical, bluegrass, and rock.
By revisiting this period in his music, focusing on his three solo albums before Solas, Egan is looking back at the explosive creativity that followed his remarkable achievement of winning four All-Ireland Championships on four different instruments by the tender age of 14. He also reminisces about his time as a prominent soloist in his late teens with Mick Moloney’s The Green Fields of America.
In 2019, Egan released “Early Bright.” Penned mostly in his new residence of Vermont and recorded at various studios while on tour, the album commences with delicate opening notes and concludes with a melancholic yet optimistic closing track.
On July 22, 2022, Egan rolled out the album “Early Bright Live.”
In December 2022, Egan unveiled “Good Winter“. While many view winter as a period of hibernation, a chance to recharge and prepare for what lies ahead, Egan chooses to see it as something more, a time for introspection and reflection.
With “Good Winter“, Egan pays homage to this enigmatic season, channeling its calming energy through his music. Joined by the talents of Moira Smiley and Kaïa Kater, Egan’s album serves as a reminder of the rejuvenating power of slowing down, of taking a deep breath and embracing the stillness. Released on December 16th, 2022, “Good Winter” offers a welcome respite from the chaos of modern life, inviting listeners to take a moment to simply be.
Discography
Solo albums
Traditional Music of Ireland (1985)
A Week In January (1990)
When Juniper Sleeps (1996)
Early Bright (THL Records, 2019)
Good Winter (THL Records, 2022)
Seamus Egan, Eugene O’Donnell & Mick Moloney
Three Way Street (1993)
With Solas
Solas (Shanachie, 1996)
Sunny Spells and Scattered Showers (1997)
The Words That Remain (1998)
The Hour Before Dawn (2000)
The Edge of Silence (2002)
Another Day (2003)
Waiting for an Echo (2005)
Reunion: A Decade of Solas (2006)
For Love and Laughter (2008)
The Turning Tide (2010)
Shamrock City (2013)
All These Years (2016)
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.