Irish Folk Masters Lúnasa Impress with ‘Live in Kyoto’ Album

Lúnasa – Live in Kyoto (Lúnasa Records, 2024)

Lúnasa, the acclaimed Irish ensemble renowned for its major influence in traditional music, is set to unveil “Live in Kyoto” on April 1, 2024, through Lúnasa Records. Recorded live at the iconic Taku Taku Club in Kyoto, Japan, the album includes ten exquisitely crafted, brand-new tracks. The material includes compositions by members such as Uilleann piper Cillian Vallely, flute player Kevin Crawford, concertina player Niall Vallely, and composers Paul Cranford, Steve Cooney, and Alan Stivell.

On Live in Kyoto, you will find timeless, prodigiously performed, elegant, modern pieces that combine technical skill with deeply rooted Irish folk music traditions. The musicians deliver impeccable solos, ensemble pieces and brilliant instrumental interplay. For this reason, it is no wonder that Lúnasa is one of the major stars in the Celtic music circuit.

Journalist Tadd Igarashi remarked, “Since they came here for their first tour in 2000, Lúnasa has been developing a very special bond with Japanese fans, who really love and respect Lúnasa as their music has affection for traditional Irish music as well as a very modern sensibility and inventive attitude to playing tunes. For them, Lúnasa is a contemporary band as much as a traditional band, a 21st century Irish band. The Japanese fans always open their heart and listen closely to what they try to do, and will always wait for them here. It is such a beautiful relationship and this album is rock-solid proof!”

Formed in 1997, Lúnasa, named after the ancient Celtic festival honoring the Irish god Lugh, emerged from members of several prominent Irish groups from the prior decade. The band’s intricate arrangements and distinct sound have pushed the boundaries of traditional music and captivated audiences worldwide.

With over a quarter-million records sold and more than 2,000 performances spanning 36 countries, Lúnasa has amassed numerous awards and solidified its status as a seminal force in traditional music. Collaborations with renowned artists such as Natalie Merchant, Mary-Chapin Carpenter, and Tim O’Brien, alongside prestigious performances at venues like The Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and Glastonbury Festival, have broadened the band’s reach and cemented its position as a leading figure in contemporary Irish music.

The current lineup includes Trevor Hutchinson on double bass; Cillian Vallely on Uilleann pipes & low whistle; Kevin Crawford on flute and whistles; Seán Smyth on fiddle; Alan Kelly on accordion; and Ed Boyd on guitar.

Live in Kyoto Tracklist

1. The Bull’s March – The March of the Min na Toitean Bull / 40 March (Niall Vallely) / 40 Reel (Niall Vallely) [5:16]
2. Red Ned’s – S’iomadh Rud a Chunnaic Mi / Comb Your Hair and Curl It / Red Ned’s (Cillian Vallely) [4:02]
3. O’Carolan’s Tea – O’Carolan’s Welcome / Ladies, Step Up to Tea [3:42]
4. The Rock Road – Windmill Hill (Cillian Vallely) / The Seven Houses (Cillian Vallely) / The Rock Road (Cillian Vallely) [5:03]
5. Bal Loudieg – Heuliadenn Gaouet Ha Daerou / Gouel Hollvedel (Alan Stivell) / Bal Loudieg [3:35]
6. John McGinley’s – Liam O’Raghallaigh / Drumcairn (Cillian Vallely) / John McGinley’s [7:06]
7. Chapel Bell – Chapel Bell / Bank of Turf / Pride of Rockchapel [4:51]
8. The Blue Fiddle – Winnie Hayes / The Blue Fiddle (Steve Cooney) [5:18]
9. Man from Moyasta – Days Around Lahinch (Kevin Crawford) / Man from Moyasta (Kevin Crawford) [3:51]
10. Cabin in the Woods – Union St. Session (Paul Cranford) / Boys of the 25 / Cabin in the Woods (Kevin Crawford) [4:30]

Buy the album directly from the band: lunasamusic.com/category/all-products

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.