Eddi Reader and the Alan Kelly Gang celebrate 15 years of 'spell-binding' collaboration
Eddie Reader & Alan Kelly Gang
The acclaimed collaboration between Eddi Reader (SCO), and the Alan Kelly Gang (IRE) returns to stages across Ireland this September.
As independent artists, Reader and Kelly have established themselves as mesmerizing stewards of Celtic traditions, and purveyors of the contemporary.
Together, they form an enduring musical collaboration that is known to leave audiences spellbound.
Reader is known the world over for being one of popular music’s most thrilling and affecting performers, capturing audiences with her powerful vocals and evocative story telling. Rising to prominence with her band Fairground Attraction, and her work with the Eurythmics and Gang of Four, Reader secured her place in Scottish hearts with her revival of Robert Burns’ treasured poems. From the traditional to the contemporary, Reader extinguishes the preordained boundaries of genre, bringing joyous life to all forms of song.
Simultaneously, Kelly has earned the title of a national treasure. He has long been declared Ireland’s innovative piano accordion maestro and a leading light in the development of contemporary Irish trad. His experimental approach to music strikes the perfect balance of tradition and innovation, and has been received to critical acclaim across the globe.
Collectively the Alan Kelly Gang, including original member, acclaimed flautist and singer, Steph Geremia; long time friend and collaborator, Jim Higgins (Christy Moore/The Stunning) on Bodhran and percussion and a welcome new addition, Mark Kelly (Altan) on guitar, have a solid reputation for their trade-mark mix of strong dynamics, driving rhythms and buoyant harmonies. Innovation meets sensitivity as these musicians push the conventional boundaries of tradition yet remain sympathetic to the past, present and future of traditional music.
Since 2010, the collaboration with Eddi and husband, John Douglas (Trashcan Sinatras) on guitar and vocals has presented a fresh perspective on rich traditions to international audiences – with sell-out tours and festival appearances in Scotland, Ireland, England, Australia, Canada and Europe.
This year, they celebrate 15 years of friendship and collaboration. Kicking off in London on the 5 th of September, this tour will then see Reader and Kelly bring their signature work to venues across Ireland. These performances will see distinctive harmonies, imaginative arrangements, and rich stories fill venues across the country. With Reader’s soaring vocals; Kelly’s remarkable mix of contemporary infused traditional Irish music; Steph Geremia’s vibrant and versatile flute playing and Douglas’ masterful song writing – audiences are promised “an astonishing concert”, as heralded by Scotland’s The Living Tradition.
Their music will draw even the most fainthearted listener into the passion that they put into the music they play – magical, joyous and uplifting!
To catch Eddi and Alan this Autumn, visit: https://eddireader.co.uk/gigs/
