Uilleann piper Leonard Barry, originally from Kilmoyley, has unveiled his much-anticipated new album, ‘Littoral’, marking his third solo release and his first in a decade.
‘Littoral’ Premiered at the renowned Celtic Connections Festival, and has already garnered rave reviews from critics and fellow musicians alike.
Reflecting Barry’s deep connection to the coastal landscapes of his youth in North Kerry and his current home in Sligo, ‘Littoral’ is a journey through his 30+ years in Irish Traditional Music. Produced by the Michael McGoldrick, known for his work with Capercaillie and Mark Knopfler, the album features an array of celebrated guest musicians, underscoring Barry’s significant standing in the music community.
Tim O’Brien, Grammy award-winning americana and bluegrass musician, praises ‘Littoral’ for its “remarkable depth and good taste,” calling it “real Irish piping from an artist in his prime.” Barry’s exceptional skill is matched by the high-caliber accompaniment, including longtime collaborators Andy Morrow (fiddle) and Shane McGowan (guitar), as well legendary fiddler Kevin Burke (The Bothy Band/Patrick St.), the acclaimed Scottish cellist Alice Allen, Seamie O’Dowd, and Brian McDonagh and Michael Holmes of Irish tour de force Dervish on (cittern, bouzouki and mandola) with Michael McGoldrick (flute and bodhran).
Critical acclaim for this latest release has followed on both sides of the Irish Sea:
BBC Radio 2 Folk Show: “The uilleann pipes, in the right hands, evoke Ireland like little else. Leonard Barry plays the pipes with flair and natural rhythm that places him among the best; other fine musicians combine gladly with Leonard to fan the precious flames of traditional music.”
SONGLINES: 4* “The solo ‘Aisling Ghael’ show Barry at gloriously full spate.” RandR magazine: 4* “Leonard Barry’s third solo album is a masterclass in uilleann piping and testament to the man’s influence and prestige in Irish music circles”.
Folk Radio UK: “Littoral is a masterclass in uilleann piping, with top-notch, varied accompaniment and production. It showcases the wealth of influences on Leonard’s playing, his considerable skill and his deep knowledge of the instrument. Uilleann piping albums don’t come along often, and ones this good are rare.”
Following on from a successful run of concerts in the UK and Europe Leonard will be performing with Seamie O’Dowd and Andy Morrow at St. John’s Arts Center in Listowel on the 13th of October at 5pm.
Other Irish and UK dates include:
October 5th Hartlepool Folk Festival UK.
October 11th and 12th: Glen to Glen Piping Festival Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim. November 16th: Tradition Now Festival, National Concert Hall, Dublin.
November 24th: Seantai Bar Folk Club, Kilkenny
With more dates to be announced in the coming weeks for details check www.leonardbarrymusic.com.
Pictured are Andy, Leonard and Seamie
