Grammy award-winner coming to gig in Nenagh

Big night of music in Rocky’s next Wednesday

Four-time Grammy award-winner Dirk Powell will travel to Nenagh on Wednesday, January 24, to attend and perform at the launch of The OARS’ debut album.

The OARS is a new, exciting contemporary folk duo, featuring renowned multi-instrumentalist and Nenagh native Brian Morrissey, and critically acclaimed singer/songwriter and guitarist Eoin Coughlan. This special, intimate performance will take place at Rocky’s on Kickham St from 8:30pm and will also feature the stunning vocals of Dirk’s daughter, Amelia Powell, who guested on the record.

Morrissey and Coughlan have been long-time collaborators and co-writers, and discussions began with their old friend, world-class musician and producer Dirk Powell early in 2023 with a view to realising their dream of bringing a new and exciting sound to the world. They travelled to Louisiana last October to record the album in Dirk’s studio and under his expert guidance as producer, they have created something truly unique.

Upon hearing The OARS at Bere Island Arts Festival, international author and Nenagh native Donal Ryan had the following to say; “The OARS are the kind of musicians who, with every note and in every lyric, lift the heart and ease the mind. They are virtuoso as musicians and songwriters; they divine and express something inarticulable in mere language. Theirs is the kind of talent that exists on a plane beyond easy understanding. It’s impossible not to feel joy while immersed in such sonic beauty”.

The OARS' debut, self-titled album will not be released for general sale until February 2024 but can be purchased at this very special Nenagh launch next week. All details regarding upcoming tour dates and album launch events can be found on social media @theoarsmusic.

CREOLE AND CAJUN CULTURE

Dirk Powell is a multi-Grammy winning musician, writer, producer, composer, studio owner, and engineer. His Kentucky roots and commitment to the Creole and Cajun culture in the southwest Louisiana that he calls home have fused with early classical training to form an artistic palette and vision that are unique in today’s musical environment. He is considered one of the world’s leading experts on traditional Appalachian fiddle and banjo styles. In addition to his performances as a solo artist, he has toured with Eric Clapton, Joan Baez, Rhiannon Giddens, Linda Ronstadt, Jack White, Loretta Lynn, and many others. His work in film has found him collaborating with producers such as T Bone Burnett, and directors like Anthony Minghella and Ang Lee.

Amelia Powell grew up in the bayous of Louisiana, immersed in the musical culture of her grandfather, Cajun fiddle hero Dewey Balfa. Her driving guitar and soulful vocals, as both a lead and harmony singer, are in demand throughout Cajun country and beyond. She has toured internationally since her teenage years.

Eoin Coughlan – As part of the hugely successful group NOMOS, the lead vocalist/multi-instrumentalist and songwriter found himself touring extensively around the world playing alongside the likes of Emmylou Harris, Billy Bragg, Nancy Griffiths and Baaba Maal on some of the main world stages. After five years on the international scene with NOMOS, Eoin embarked on a solo career that resulted in the release to huge critical acclaim of his debut album, ‘Blood in Vein’, produced by David Odlum.

Brian Morrissey is a renowned banjo/bodhrán/mandolin/whistle player and percussionist. He is a member of the ground-breaking groups Buille and TarantaCeltica and has performed and/or recorded with artists such as Donal Lunny, John Spillane, Kevin Crawford, Jimmy Crowley, Nathan Carter, Luka Bloom, and the late, great Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin. Brian has also performed with many international artists including multiple Grammy winners Béla Fleck and Alison Brown. He is the creator and producer of the critically acclaimed production, Pulses of Tradition which was featured on The Late Late Show. “When I heard Brian playing, I knew I was in the presence of a master. Since then, I haven’t come across any other pitched bodhrán players nearly as good” – Donal Lunny.