Gráda is a traditional Irish music band founded in 2001 whose members are a mix of Irish and New Zealand musicians. Based in Dublin and Galway, Ireland, Gráda have spent much of their time touring internationally.[2] In 2011, members of Gráda disbanded to work on individual projects.[3] The band reformed in 2020 to play a concert in New Zealand and were joined by Tola Custy.[4] In October 2023 they reformed to embark on a nine date tour of New Zealand, to be followed by dates in Ireland[5]
Gráda | |
|---|---|
 Gráda at Kult, Niederstetten, 2010 | |
| Background information | |
| Genres | Irish folk, Celtic |
| Years active | 2001–2011[1] |
| Labels | Compass |
| Members |
|
| Past members |
|
| Website | gradamusic |
Musical career
editThe group draws from a wide range of influences, which has seen them working with Dave Hingerty (Kíla, The Frames, The Swell Season); Vyviene Long (cellist with Damien Rice); and, as a producer, Trevor Hutchinson (Lúnasa, Sharon Shannon, The Waterboys). Further additions have included Dublin based trumpeter Bill Blackmore and percussionist Rasmus Skovmand.
In 2008, it was announced Colin Farrell had decided to leave the band. He was replaced by multi-instrumentalist David Doocey.[6] In April 2009, Alan Doherty left the band and was replaced by Stephen Doherty (no relation). Alan returned to the group in 2011.
Charts and critical reception
editGráda have received critical acclaim, with their latest album Natural Angle being voted as one of the top folk albums of 2010 in the USA by NPR / Folk Alley and the IMA music awards.[7] Their previous album, Cloudy Day Navigation appeared multiple times in Irish Music's Top 10 charts.[8] Gráda have received glowing reviews from Irish Music,[9] Sing Out!,[10] The Irish Times,[11][12] The Evening Herald[13] and The Event Guide.[14][15]
Band members
edit- Andrew Laking – (double bass, vocals)
- Nicola Joyce– (vocals, bodhrán)
- Gerry Paul – (acoustic and electric guitars, bouzouki, vocals)
- Alan Doherty – (flutes, whistle, vocals)
- Tola Custy - (fiddle, vocals)
Former members
editDiscography
edit- Off to Sardinia – 2001 (out of production)
- Endeavour – 2002
- The Landing Step – 2004
- Cloudy Day Navigation – 2007
- Natural Angle – 2010 (Compass)
References
edit- ^ "Info".
- ^ "Grada - WOMEX".
- ^ "Info".
- ^ "Gardens Magic 2020 - Gráda/Pauline Scanlon Band".
- ^ https://www.gradamusic.ie/
- ^ https://www.allcelticmusic.com/artists/David%20Doocey.html
- ^ "Compass Records". Archived from the original on 19 January 2013. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
- ^ Irish Music Magazine. "Charts", Irish Music. Accessed 4 November 2007
- ^ *Margeson, B. "Trading Up with Grada" Archived 17 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Irish Music, 2006. Accessed 4 November 2007
- ^ Weir, R. "Gráda Endeavour" Archived 17 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Sing Out!, 2005. Accessed 4 November 2007
- ^ Long, S. "Gráda The Landing Step" Archived 17 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Irish Times, 2004. Accessed 4 November 2007
- ^ Long, S. "Grada Endeavour" Archived 17 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Irish Times, 2002. Accessed 4 November 2007
- ^ McQuaid, S. "Trad's Ring-o stars" Archived 17 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, The Evening Herald, 2004. Accessed 4 November 2007
- ^ Mahoney, P. "Gráda Endeavour" Archived 17 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, The Event Guide, 2004. Accessed 4 November 2007
- ^ "Past, Present and Future" Archived 17 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, The Event Guide, 2002. Accessed 4 November 2007
External links
edit- gradamusic.com - the official website
- Gráda discography at MusicBrainz
- Gráda's MySpace – official MySpace page