Epic night of music in Nenagh
Two Grammy-winning musicians performed at album launch
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Americian musicians Rhiannon Giddens and Dirk Powell partaking in the traditional music session in Rocky’s, Nenagh, on Wednesday night, January 24. BRIDGET DELANEYImage 2 of 4
Silvermines girl Laoise Kennedy with her godfather and uncle Brian Morrissey at the traditional music night in Rocky’s, Nenagh, last week. BRIDGET DELANEYImage 3 of 4
Mary Hanly, Ballingarry, Roscrea with Danny and Mary Morrissey (parents of Nenagh musician Brian Morrissey) at the traditional music night in Rocky’s last week. BRIDGET DELANEYImage 4 of 4
Renowned musicians Brian Morrissey, Dirk Powell with his daughter Amelia and Eoin Coughlan performing at the traditional music night in Rocky’s Nenagh. Nenagh musician Brian Morrissey and Eoin Coughlan launched their OARS CD on the night. Photos: Bridget Delaney BRIDGET DELANEYMusic fans were treated to an incredible night’s music in Rocky’s bar in Nenagh on Wednesday of last week at the launch of the debut album from The OARS. Nenagh native and renowned multi-instrumentalist Brian Morrissey has joined forces with critically acclaimed singer/songwriter and guitarist Eoin Coughlan to create a fresh and exciting new sound in the contemporary folk genre under the name The OARS. They travelled to Louisiana last October to record their debut album with multi Grammy-winning producer and musician Dirk Powell, and Dirk travelled to Nenagh last Wednesday to perform with The OARS at their Nenagh launch.
They were also joined on the night by Dirk’s daughter Amelia, who comes from music royalty as not only are both her parents world-class musicians, her grandfather was Dewey Balfa, a master of Cajun music and a revered cultural ambassador for Louisiana. Amelia performed backing vocals and additional percussion in the recording studio and those in attendance in Rocky’s got a chance to hear Dirk and Amelia’s stunning additions to the sound of The OARS.
The material on The OARS’ debut album brings an energy and compulsive drive that is filled with raw emotion. Coughlan’s deeply personal lyrics are complimented by Morrissey’s intuitive touches on banjo, mandolin and bodhrán. Their highly energetic instrumental pieces are deeply rooted in the Irish tradition but also give a glimpse into other sonic worlds.
The audience was already enraptured by the music of The OARS and the bursts of Louisiana flair from Dirk and Amelia when they were treated to an unexpected surprise. Double Grammy winner and Pulitzer Prize winner Rhiannon Giddens joined the musicians on stage to perform some rip-roaring American Old-Time music. Giddens has been described by ‘American Songwriter’ as “one of the most important musical minds currently walking the planet”. Those in attendance were simply blown away by the virtuosity on display from all five performers. The proprietors of Rocky’s, Martin and Helen Slattery, stated that “...it was one of the greatest nights of music that we have ever hosted”, which was quite the statement as their previous establishments were revered musical hotspots – The Railway Bar and The Kenyon in Nenagh and The Rob Roy in Cobh. The music continued long after the last note was played by The OARS, Dirk and Amelia Powell and Rhiannon Giddens, and the echoes of this epic night of music in Nenagh will permeate for months to come. The OARS will return to Nenagh later in 2024 and it promises to be another truly memorable night of music and song. The OARS’ debut album is now available for pre-order and will be available for purchase/download on all platforms on Friday, February 16. Follow The OARS on social media @theoarsmusic.