Mícheál Ó Domhnaill
Encyclopedia
Mícheál Ó Domhnaill was an Irish
singer, guitarist, and composer, who was a major influence on Irish traditional music in the second half of the twentieth century. He became famous for his work with Skara Brae, The Bothy Band
, Relativity
, Nightnoise
, and a successful collaboration with fiddler Kevin Burke.
and grew up in Kells, County Meath
. His father, Aodh, was a teacher, a singer, and a collector of traditional music for the Irish Folklore Commission
. His mother, Bríd, was a choral singer. Mícheál's father was raised in the Donegal Gaeltacht
(Irish-speaking) area of Rann na Feirste, where the Irish language
is the main spoken language. Mícheál, his two sisters, Maighréad
and Tríona
, and two brothers, Éamon and Conall, inherited a deep love and understanding of Irish culture from their parents. The family spent their summers in Rann na Feirste learning the Irish language and Irish traditional music. During these summers in Donegal, Mícheál and his siblings spent time with their aunt Neilí, a renowned singer who had a vast repertoire of Irish and English songs. They also formed lifelong friendships with Pól and Ciarán Brennan (future members of Clannad
) and Dáithí Sproule
(future member of Skara Brae
and Altan).
Mícheál’s musical literacy was encouraged throughout his early years. At the age of six, Mícheál started taking piano
lessons from the Kells nuns, which left a lasting influence on him. He also sang in a choir founded by his father. At the age of twelve, Mícheál suffered an appendicitis. To ease the boredom of his recuperation, a religious brother who taught at Mícheál’s school gave him a guitar. By the age of sixteen, Mícheál began devoting his musical energies to the guitar.
, where they met singer-guitarist Dáithi Sproule (future member of Altan) from Derry. They began performing together around Dublin, producing "beautiful, adventurous" arrangements of Irish Gaelic songs. In the summer of 1970, Mícheál and Dáithi performed as the house band at Teach Hiudaí Bhig in Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore), Donegal. Later that year, Mícheál, Tríona, Maighread, and Dáithi formed the group Skara Brae
, a name suggested by Mícheál in reference to Sacra Brae, an archaeological site in the Orkney Islands
in Scotland
consisting of a bleak stone village built in the second millennium BC.
In 1971, Skara Brae released a self-titled album of "beautifully performed Gaelic songs" on Gael-Linn Records
. It was notable as the first recording to include vocal harmonization in Irish language
songs. In 2004, Ó Domhnaill described the influences on the group in an interview with the RTÉ radio program Rattlebag:
Skara Brae's version of "Tá mé 'mo shuí" shows the unique influence of Rann na Feirste. The song is performed differently in other parishes of the same area. The four voices are skillfully supported by Triona's harpsichord, and the unique guitar work of Mícheál and Dáithi. Mícheál in fact was one of the first guitar players, along with Dáithí, in Irish traditional music
to employ DADGAD
tuning. His guitar style had a dramatic impact on guitarists who followed in the genre. Both Mícheál and Dáithí were influenced in their early years by John Renbourn
and Bert Jansch
.
In the early 1970s, Mícheál became the first presenter of the RTÉ radio program The Long Note, which featured Irish traditional musicians, many of whom had never previously been recorded. In 1973, while Mícheál and Tríona were still students at University College Dublin, Mícheál formed a musical partnership with Mick Hanly. They recorded one album, Celtic Folkweave, which was released by Polydor Records in 1973.
(flute and tin whistle), Paddy Keenan
(uilleann pipes and tin whistle), Dónal Lunny
(bouzouki, guitar, and production), and his sister Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill
(harpsichord, clavinet and vocals). Glackin was later replaced by Tommy Peoples
, who was then replaced by Kevin Burke in May 1976. In the five years the Bothy Band were together, they emerged as one of the most exciting groups in the history of Irish traditional music. Much of their repertoire was rooted in the traditional music of Ireland, and their enthusiasm and musical virtuosity set a standard for future Irish traditional performers.
On 2 February 1975, the Bothy Band made its debut at Trinity College, Dublin
. Despite their great legacy, the Bothy Band only recorded three studio albums during their brief career: The Bothy Band (1975), Old Hag You Have Killed Me (1976), and Out of the Wind – Into the Sun (1977). A live album After Hours was released in 1979. Their first album quickly established them as an important new band. Their second album, Old Hag You Have Killed Me, expanded their following considerably. In 1977, they released their final studio album, effectively establishing their reputation and legacy within the Irish traditional music community.
In 1979, the group disbanded, but the former members went on to play influential roles in the development of Irish traditional music. Lunny returned for a while to Planxty
and then helped to form the Celtic rock band Moving Hearts. He continued his work as a producer, working with artists like Andy Stewart
. Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill moved to the United States and formed the short-lived band Touchstone. She later joined her brother to form both Relativity
and Nightnoise
.
and the two began a new collaboration focused on a new and innovative music that integrated traditional Irish, jazz, and classical chamber music. This collaboration between the American violinist and Irish guitarist created a unique blend of musical forms. Together, they composed and recorded songs in Oskay's Portland home and were pleased with the result – a unique understated sound that had a "rough but fresh quality that engendered a serene atmosphere."
In late 1983, Ó Domhnaill's music career was altered when William Ackerman at Windham Hill Records
heard one of the tracks recorded at Oskay's home.
Ackerman soon offered Ó Domhnaill and Oskay a contract with Windham Hill Records
. The tracks they recorded at Oskay's home were mixed and released in 1984 on their album Nightnoise
. The album represented a real departure from Ó Domhnaill's Bothy Band roots, and the mellow, ambient instrumental style incorporating jazz and classical elements and forms full of spirituality almost defined what would be called New Age music.
In 1985, Mícheál and his sister Tríona
(vocals, clavinet) joined the two Scottish brothers Phil Cunningham
(fiddle) and John Cunningham
(accordion, keyboard, whistle, bodhran) to form the group Relativity
. Together they released two critically successful albums: the self-titled Relativity (1985) and Gathering Pace (1987).
In 1987, Tríona and Irish-American flutist Brian Dunning joined Ó Domhnaill and Oskay to form the band Nightnoise
. The quartet's first album Something of Time
was released by Windham Hill Records
in 1987. It was followed by At the End of the Evening
(1988) and The Parting Tide
(1990). These albums received significant commercial and critical acclaim, and helped the group develop an impressive reputation touring the United States
, Japan
, and Europe
. Their music effectively combined "original acoustic chamber music with an Irish feel mixing jazz, classical, folk and new age idioms." Their original music made full use of the Ó Domhnaill's folk background, the folk/jazz combinations of Skara Brae, Brian Dunning's jazz background, and Bill Oskay's classical influences.
Nightnoise gave Mícheál the opportunity to expand his musical vocabulary as well as his audience, while retaining the spirit of Irish traditional music that was so much a part of him. In an interview with Echoes, Ó Domhnaill spoke of the prevailing influence of his Irish heritage in the new music he was creating:
Following Billy Oskay's departure from Nightnoise in 1990, Scottish fiddler Johnny Cunningham
, a former member of Silly Wizard
who had played with Triona and Mícheál in the band Relativity, took over Oskay's duties. The band took on a much more Irish-centric sound, while still retaining their own signature style. The revamped Nightnoise went on to release the albums Shadow of Time
(1994), A Different Shore
(1995), and The White Horse Sessions
(1997), an album featuring live concert performances mixed in with in-studio live performances, with their Windham Hill
colleagues as their audience.
The White Horse Sessions proved to be the last Nightnoise album. Cunningham left the band following its release, and was replaced by Irish fiddler John Fitzpatrick
. In a 1999 interview, Ó Domhnaill stated that Nightnoise had not broken up, and that the band would be getting together again shortly. The band did indeed record new material (both original compositions and covers of classic songs), but they were all made for albums other than their own. Nightnoise officially disbanded towards the end of 2003.
In 1997, Mícheál returned to Ireland, settling in Dundrum, Dublin
. In 2001, he teamed up with his close friend Paddy Glackin
, the original Bothy Band fiddle player, and together they toured and recorded the album Athchuairt. Glackin later praised Ó Domhnaill for his role in popularising Irish language songs for a wider audience. "He took a lot of old songs," Glackin observed, "and re-fashioned them and made them accessible to a new generation."
On 7 July 2006, Mícheál Ó Domhnaill died from a fall at his home. He was 54 years old. On 11 July, a wake was held at his sister Maighread's home. On 12 July, a requiem Mass was said for Mícheál at the Church of the Holy Cross in Dundrum. The funeral was attended by numerous musicians from across Ireland, including the remaining members of The Bothy Band
, piper Liam O'Flynn
, accordion player Tony MacMahon
, and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh
. Mícheál Ó Domhnaill was buried in St. Colmcille's Cemetery in Kells, County Meath
.
On 24 May 2007, a remarkable gathering of Irish traditional musicians and singers, including Paddy Keenan
, Donal Lunny
, Kevin Burke
, Mary Black
, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill
, and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill
, came together at Vicar Street
in Dublin to celebrate the life and music of Mícheál Ó Domhnaill.
With Mick Hanly
With The Bothy Band
With Kevin Burke
With Billy Oskay
With Relativity
With Nightnoise
With Paddy Glackin
With other artists
Compilation albums
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
singer, guitarist, and composer, who was a major influence on Irish traditional music in the second half of the twentieth century. He became famous for his work with Skara Brae, The Bothy Band
The Bothy Band
The Bothy Band was an Irish traditional band active during the late 1970s. It quickly gained a reputation as one of the most influential bands playing Irish traditional music...
, Relativity
Relativity (band)
Relativity was a Scotch-Irish quartet formed in 1985 consisting of two Scottish brothers and an Irish brother and sister. The four members of the band were brothers Phil Cunningham and John Cunningham , from the influential Scottish band Silly Wizard, and Irish sister and brother Tríona Ní...
, Nightnoise
Nightnoise
Nightnoise was a music ensemble active from 1984 to 1997. Their original blend of Irish traditional music, Celtic music, jazz, and classical chamber music inspired a generation of Irish musicians...
, and a successful collaboration with fiddler Kevin Burke.
Early years
Mícheál Seosamh Ó Domhnaill was born 7 October 1951 in Dublin, IrelandRepublic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
and grew up in Kells, County Meath
Kells, County Meath
Kells is a town in County Meath, Ireland. The town lies off the M3 motorway, from Navan and from Dublin. In recent years Kells has grown greatly with many Dublin commuters moving to the town....
. His father, Aodh, was a teacher, a singer, and a collector of traditional music for the Irish Folklore Commission
Irish Folklore Commission
The Irish Folklore Commission was set up in 1935 by the Irish Government to study and collect information on the folklore and traditions of Ireland....
. His mother, Bríd, was a choral singer. Mícheál's father was raised in the Donegal Gaeltacht
Gaeltacht
is the Irish language word meaning an Irish-speaking region. In Ireland, the Gaeltacht, or an Ghaeltacht, refers individually to any, or collectively to all, of the districts where the government recognises that the Irish language is the predominant language, that is, the vernacular spoken at home...
(Irish-speaking) area of Rann na Feirste, where the Irish language
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
is the main spoken language. Mícheál, his two sisters, Maighréad
Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill
Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill is an Irish traditional singer from Kells, County Meath. Known for her work with the short-lived, but very highly regarded Skara Brae and her collaborations with sister Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, as well as other traditional musicians...
and Tríona
Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill
Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill is an Irish traditional singer, pianist, and composer, considered one of the most influential female vocalists in the history of Irish music. She is famed for her work with traditional Irish groups such as Skara Brae, The Bothy Band, Relativity, Touchstone, and Nightnoise.-...
, and two brothers, Éamon and Conall, inherited a deep love and understanding of Irish culture from their parents. The family spent their summers in Rann na Feirste learning the Irish language and Irish traditional music. During these summers in Donegal, Mícheál and his siblings spent time with their aunt Neilí, a renowned singer who had a vast repertoire of Irish and English songs. They also formed lifelong friendships with Pól and Ciarán Brennan (future members of Clannad
Clannad
Clannad are an Irish musical group, from Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal. Their music has been variously described as bordering on folk and folk rock, Irish, Celtic and New Age, often incorporating elements of an even broader spectrum of smooth jazz and Gregorian chant...
) and Dáithí Sproule
Dáithí Sproule
Dáithí Sproule is a guitarist and singer of traditional Irish music from Derry, Northern Ireland. His niece is the singer songwriter Claire Sproule.-Biography:...
(future member of Skara Brae
Skara Brae
Skara Brae is a large stone-built Neolithic settlement, located on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of Mainland, Orkney, Scotland. It consists of ten clustered houses, and was occupied from roughly 3180 BCE–2500 BCE...
and Altan).
Mícheál’s musical literacy was encouraged throughout his early years. At the age of six, Mícheál started taking piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
lessons from the Kells nuns, which left a lasting influence on him. He also sang in a choir founded by his father. At the age of twelve, Mícheál suffered an appendicitis. To ease the boredom of his recuperation, a religious brother who taught at Mícheál’s school gave him a guitar. By the age of sixteen, Mícheál began devoting his musical energies to the guitar.
Skara Brae
In the late 1960s, Mícheál and his sister Tríona began attending University College DublinUniversity College Dublin
University College Dublin ) - formally known as University College Dublin - National University of Ireland, Dublin is the Republic of Ireland's largest, and Ireland's second largest, university, with over 1,300 faculty and 17,000 students...
, where they met singer-guitarist Dáithi Sproule (future member of Altan) from Derry. They began performing together around Dublin, producing "beautiful, adventurous" arrangements of Irish Gaelic songs. In the summer of 1970, Mícheál and Dáithi performed as the house band at Teach Hiudaí Bhig in Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore), Donegal. Later that year, Mícheál, Tríona, Maighread, and Dáithi formed the group Skara Brae
Skara Brae (band)
Skara Brae were an Irish traditional music group from Kells, County Meath with origins in Ranafast , County Donegal. The group consisted of three siblings, Micheal O Domhnaill, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, and Maighread Ni Dhomhnaill, with Dáithí Sproule from Derry...
, a name suggested by Mícheál in reference to Sacra Brae, an archaeological site in the Orkney Islands
Orkney Islands
Orkney also known as the Orkney Islands , is an archipelago in northern Scotland, situated north of the coast of Caithness...
in Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
consisting of a bleak stone village built in the second millennium BC.
In 1971, Skara Brae released a self-titled album of "beautifully performed Gaelic songs" on Gael-Linn Records
Gael-Linn Records
Gael Linn Records is an Irish record label, run by the Irish language promotion organisation Gael Linn.Gael Linn released records by many of the world's most renowned Gaelic and Irish Traditional musicians known today...
. It was notable as the first recording to include vocal harmonization in Irish language
Irish language
Irish , also known as Irish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Indo-European language family, originating in Ireland and historically spoken by the Irish people. Irish is now spoken as a first language by a minority of Irish people, as well as being a second language of a larger proportion of...
songs. In 2004, Ó Domhnaill described the influences on the group in an interview with the RTÉ radio program Rattlebag:
Skara Brae's version of "Tá mé 'mo shuí" shows the unique influence of Rann na Feirste. The song is performed differently in other parishes of the same area. The four voices are skillfully supported by Triona's harpsichord, and the unique guitar work of Mícheál and Dáithi. Mícheál in fact was one of the first guitar players, along with Dáithí, in Irish traditional music
Music of Ireland
Irish Music is the generic term for music that has been created in various genres on the island of Ireland.The indigenous music of the island is termed Irish traditional music. It has remained vibrant through the 20th, and into the 21st century, despite globalizing cultural forces...
to employ DADGAD
DADGAD
DADGAD, D modal tuning or Celtic tuning is an alternative guitar tuning most associated with Celtic music, though it has also found use in rock and other genres. Instead of the standard EADGBE tuning, the six guitar strings are tuned, from low to high, DADGAD...
tuning. His guitar style had a dramatic impact on guitarists who followed in the genre. Both Mícheál and Dáithí were influenced in their early years by John Renbourn
John Renbourn
John Renbourn is an English guitarist and songwriter. He is possibly best known for his collaboration with guitarist Bert Jansch as well as his work with the folk group Pentangle, although he maintained a solo career before, during and after that band's existence .While most commonly labelled a...
and Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
Herbert "Bert" Jansch was a Scottish folk musician and founding member of the band Pentangle. He was born in Glasgow and came to prominence in London in the 1960s, as an acoustic guitarist, as well as a singer-songwriter...
.
In the early 1970s, Mícheál became the first presenter of the RTÉ radio program The Long Note, which featured Irish traditional musicians, many of whom had never previously been recorded. In 1973, while Mícheál and Tríona were still students at University College Dublin, Mícheál formed a musical partnership with Mick Hanly. They recorded one album, Celtic Folkweave, which was released by Polydor Records in 1973.
The Bothy Band
In late 1974, Ó Domhnaill co-founded the very popular group The Bothy Band, along with Matt MolloyMatt Molloy
Matt Molloy is an Irish musician, from a region known for producing talented flautists. As a child, he began playing the flute and won the All-Ireland Flute Championship at only seventeen years old...
(flute and tin whistle), Paddy Keenan
Paddy Keenan
Paddy Keenan is an Irish player of the uilleann pipes who first gained fame as a founding member of The Bothy Band. Since that group's dissolution in the late 1970s, Keenan has released a number of solo and collaborative recordings, and continues to tour both as a soloist, and with...
(uilleann pipes and tin whistle), Dónal Lunny
Dónal Lunny
Dónal Lunny is an Irish folk musician. Lunny has been at the forefront of the evolution of traditional Irish music for more than thirty-five years and has participated within the renaissance of traditional Irish music in that time period...
(bouzouki, guitar, and production), and his sister Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill
Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill
Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill is an Irish traditional singer, pianist, and composer, considered one of the most influential female vocalists in the history of Irish music. She is famed for her work with traditional Irish groups such as Skara Brae, The Bothy Band, Relativity, Touchstone, and Nightnoise.-...
(harpsichord, clavinet and vocals). Glackin was later replaced by Tommy Peoples
Tommy Peoples
Tommy Peoples is an Irish fiddler.He was born near St. Johnston, a village in the Laggan district in the east of County Donegal, part of the Province of Ulster in Ireland. He has been a member of well known traditional Irish music groups, including 1691 and The Bothy Band as well as performing...
, who was then replaced by Kevin Burke in May 1976. In the five years the Bothy Band were together, they emerged as one of the most exciting groups in the history of Irish traditional music. Much of their repertoire was rooted in the traditional music of Ireland, and their enthusiasm and musical virtuosity set a standard for future Irish traditional performers.
On 2 February 1975, the Bothy Band made its debut at Trinity College, Dublin
Trinity College, Dublin
Trinity College, Dublin , formally known as the College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin, was founded in 1592 by letters patent from Queen Elizabeth I as the "mother of a university", Extracts from Letters Patent of Elizabeth I, 1592: "...we...found and...
. Despite their great legacy, the Bothy Band only recorded three studio albums during their brief career: The Bothy Band (1975), Old Hag You Have Killed Me (1976), and Out of the Wind – Into the Sun (1977). A live album After Hours was released in 1979. Their first album quickly established them as an important new band. Their second album, Old Hag You Have Killed Me, expanded their following considerably. In 1977, they released their final studio album, effectively establishing their reputation and legacy within the Irish traditional music community.
In 1979, the group disbanded, but the former members went on to play influential roles in the development of Irish traditional music. Lunny returned for a while to Planxty
Planxty
Planxty is an Irish folk music band formed in the 1970s, consisting initially of Christy Moore , Dónal Lunny , Andy Irvine , and Liam O'Flynn...
and then helped to form the Celtic rock band Moving Hearts. He continued his work as a producer, working with artists like Andy Stewart
Andy Stewart
Andy Stewart may refer to:*Andy Stewart , Scottish musician and entertainer*Andy Stewart , British MP for Sherwood, 1983–1992*Andy M...
. Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill moved to the United States and formed the short-lived band Touchstone. She later joined her brother to form both Relativity
Relativity (band)
Relativity was a Scotch-Irish quartet formed in 1985 consisting of two Scottish brothers and an Irish brother and sister. The four members of the band were brothers Phil Cunningham and John Cunningham , from the influential Scottish band Silly Wizard, and Irish sister and brother Tríona Ní...
and Nightnoise
Nightnoise
Nightnoise was a music ensemble active from 1984 to 1997. Their original blend of Irish traditional music, Celtic music, jazz, and classical chamber music inspired a generation of Irish musicians...
.
Nightnoise
In 1983, after seven years with the Bothy Band and several years collaborating with the master fiddler Kevin Burke, Ó Domhnaill began searching for a new project and a new sound. He met Billy Oskay in Portland, OregonPortland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
and the two began a new collaboration focused on a new and innovative music that integrated traditional Irish, jazz, and classical chamber music. This collaboration between the American violinist and Irish guitarist created a unique blend of musical forms. Together, they composed and recorded songs in Oskay's Portland home and were pleased with the result – a unique understated sound that had a "rough but fresh quality that engendered a serene atmosphere."
In late 1983, Ó Domhnaill's music career was altered when William Ackerman at Windham Hill Records
Windham Hill Records
Windham Hill Records is a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment specializing in Acoustic, New Age and Folk music. Originally founded in 1976 as an Independent record label by guitarist and carpenter William Ackerman and his then-wife Anne Robinson, Windham Hill was a successful and well-respected...
heard one of the tracks recorded at Oskay's home.
Ackerman soon offered Ó Domhnaill and Oskay a contract with Windham Hill Records
Windham Hill Records
Windham Hill Records is a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment specializing in Acoustic, New Age and Folk music. Originally founded in 1976 as an Independent record label by guitarist and carpenter William Ackerman and his then-wife Anne Robinson, Windham Hill was a successful and well-respected...
. The tracks they recorded at Oskay's home were mixed and released in 1984 on their album Nightnoise
Nightnoise (album)
- Track listing :# "Nightnoise" by Billy Oskay # "The 19A" by Mícheál Ó Domhnaill # "Bridges" by Mícheál Ó Domhnaill # "False Spring" by Billy Oskay and D...
. The album represented a real departure from Ó Domhnaill's Bothy Band roots, and the mellow, ambient instrumental style incorporating jazz and classical elements and forms full of spirituality almost defined what would be called New Age music.
In 1985, Mícheál and his sister Tríona
Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill
Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill is an Irish traditional singer, pianist, and composer, considered one of the most influential female vocalists in the history of Irish music. She is famed for her work with traditional Irish groups such as Skara Brae, The Bothy Band, Relativity, Touchstone, and Nightnoise.-...
(vocals, clavinet) joined the two Scottish brothers Phil Cunningham
Phil Cunningham
Phil Cunningham may refer to:*Phil Cunningham , Scottish accordionist with the folk group Silly Wizard*Phil Cunningham , English guitarist, member of New Order, Bad Lieutenant and Marion...
(fiddle) and John Cunningham
John Cunningham
-Military:* John Cunningham , Group Captain, RAF Night fighter Ace* John Cunningham , East Yorkshire Regiment* John Cunningham , Prince of Wales's Leinster Regiment...
(accordion, keyboard, whistle, bodhran) to form the group Relativity
Relativity (band)
Relativity was a Scotch-Irish quartet formed in 1985 consisting of two Scottish brothers and an Irish brother and sister. The four members of the band were brothers Phil Cunningham and John Cunningham , from the influential Scottish band Silly Wizard, and Irish sister and brother Tríona Ní...
. Together they released two critically successful albums: the self-titled Relativity (1985) and Gathering Pace (1987).
In 1987, Tríona and Irish-American flutist Brian Dunning joined Ó Domhnaill and Oskay to form the band Nightnoise
Nightnoise
Nightnoise was a music ensemble active from 1984 to 1997. Their original blend of Irish traditional music, Celtic music, jazz, and classical chamber music inspired a generation of Irish musicians...
. The quartet's first album Something of Time
Something of Time
Something of Time is a studio album by Nightnoise. The album was release by Windham Hill Records in 1987.- Track listing :# "Timewinds" by Billy Oskay # "Perchance to Dream" by Billy Oskay and Mícheál Ó Domhnaill...
was released by Windham Hill Records
Windham Hill Records
Windham Hill Records is a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment specializing in Acoustic, New Age and Folk music. Originally founded in 1976 as an Independent record label by guitarist and carpenter William Ackerman and his then-wife Anne Robinson, Windham Hill was a successful and well-respected...
in 1987. It was followed by At the End of the Evening
At the End of the Evening
At the End of the Evening is a studio album by Nightnoise. The album was released by Windham Hill Records in 1988.- Track listing :# "Windell" by Billy Oskay and Mícheál Ó Domhnaill # "Of a Summer Morn" by Mícheál Ó Domhnaill...
(1988) and The Parting Tide
The Parting Tide
The Parting Tide is a studio album by Nightnoise. The album was released by Windham Hill Records in 1990.- Track listing :# "Bleu" by Brian Dunning # "An Irish Carol" by Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill...
(1990). These albums received significant commercial and critical acclaim, and helped the group develop an impressive reputation touring the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, and Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
. Their music effectively combined "original acoustic chamber music with an Irish feel mixing jazz, classical, folk and new age idioms." Their original music made full use of the Ó Domhnaill's folk background, the folk/jazz combinations of Skara Brae, Brian Dunning's jazz background, and Bill Oskay's classical influences.
Nightnoise gave Mícheál the opportunity to expand his musical vocabulary as well as his audience, while retaining the spirit of Irish traditional music that was so much a part of him. In an interview with Echoes, Ó Domhnaill spoke of the prevailing influence of his Irish heritage in the new music he was creating:
Following Billy Oskay's departure from Nightnoise in 1990, Scottish fiddler Johnny Cunningham
Johnny Cunningham
Johnny Cunningham was a Scottish folk musician. He was a founding member of Silly Wizard, as well as a member of Relativity, The Raindogs, and Nightnoise. Throughout his career, Cunningham was also a fiddler, composer and producer. His younger brother, Phil Cunningham, is a multi-instrumentalist...
, a former member of Silly Wizard
Silly Wizard
Silly Wizard was a Scottish folk band that began forming in Edinburgh in 1970. The founder members were two like-minded university students—Gordon Jones and Bob Thomas...
who had played with Triona and Mícheál in the band Relativity, took over Oskay's duties. The band took on a much more Irish-centric sound, while still retaining their own signature style. The revamped Nightnoise went on to release the albums Shadow of Time
Shadow of Time
Shadow of Time is a studio album by Nightnoise. The album was released by Windham Hill Records in 1993.- Track listing :# "One Little Nephew" by Mícheál Ó Domhnaill # "The March Air" by Mícheál Ó Domhnaill...
(1994), A Different Shore
A Different Shore
A Different Shore is a studio album by Nightnoise. The album was released by Windham Hill Records in 1995.-Track listing :# "Call of the Child" by Brian Dunning # "For Eamonn" by Mícheál Ó Domhnaill...
(1995), and The White Horse Sessions
The White Horse Sessions
The White Horse Sessions is a live album by Nightnoise. The album was released by Windham Hill Records in 1997.- Track listing :# "Silly Flanks" by Brian Dunning # "Shadow of Time" by Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill...
(1997), an album featuring live concert performances mixed in with in-studio live performances, with their Windham Hill
Windham Hill Records
Windham Hill Records is a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment specializing in Acoustic, New Age and Folk music. Originally founded in 1976 as an Independent record label by guitarist and carpenter William Ackerman and his then-wife Anne Robinson, Windham Hill was a successful and well-respected...
colleagues as their audience.
The White Horse Sessions proved to be the last Nightnoise album. Cunningham left the band following its release, and was replaced by Irish fiddler John Fitzpatrick
John Fitzpatrick
John Fitzpatrick or FitzPatrick is the name of:* John FitzPatrick , former Australian federal politician* John Fitzpatrick , coach and manager in Major League Baseball...
. In a 1999 interview, Ó Domhnaill stated that Nightnoise had not broken up, and that the band would be getting together again shortly. The band did indeed record new material (both original compositions and covers of classic songs), but they were all made for albums other than their own. Nightnoise officially disbanded towards the end of 2003.
Later years
Dundrum, Dublin
Dundrum , originally a town in its own right, is now a suburb of Dublin in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Ireland.The area is located in the postal districts of Dublin 14 and Dublin 16.-History:...
. In 2001, he teamed up with his close friend Paddy Glackin
Paddy Glackin
Paddy Glackin is an Irish fiddler from Clontarf, Dublin. His father Tom Glackin was from Donegal and Paddy's fiddle style reflects his family's Donegal roots. Glackin is considered one of the leading Irish fiddlers in the late 20th/early 21st centuries. He became fiddle champion at the All-Ireland...
, the original Bothy Band fiddle player, and together they toured and recorded the album Athchuairt. Glackin later praised Ó Domhnaill for his role in popularising Irish language songs for a wider audience. "He took a lot of old songs," Glackin observed, "and re-fashioned them and made them accessible to a new generation."
On 7 July 2006, Mícheál Ó Domhnaill died from a fall at his home. He was 54 years old. On 11 July, a wake was held at his sister Maighread's home. On 12 July, a requiem Mass was said for Mícheál at the Church of the Holy Cross in Dundrum. The funeral was attended by numerous musicians from across Ireland, including the remaining members of The Bothy Band
The Bothy Band
The Bothy Band was an Irish traditional band active during the late 1970s. It quickly gained a reputation as one of the most influential bands playing Irish traditional music...
, piper Liam O'Flynn
Liam O'Flynn
Liam O'Flynn is a master uilleann piper and prominent Irish folk musician. In addition to an impressive solo career and his work with the Irish traditional group Planxty, O'Flynn has recorded with many prominent international musical artists, including Mark Knopfler, the Everly Brothers, Enya,...
, accordion player Tony MacMahon
Tony MacMahon
Tony MacMahon is an Irish button accordion player and broadcaster. Among his influences were accordionists Joe Cooley and Sonny Brogan, as well as piper Willie Clancy, fiddler Bobby Casey, and singer and piper Seamus Ennis....
, and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh
Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh
Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh is an Irish fiddler and the lead vocalist for the Irish traditional band Altan.-Biography:Ní Mhaonaigh grew up in Gweedore , County Donegal, on the northwest coast of Ireland....
. Mícheál Ó Domhnaill was buried in St. Colmcille's Cemetery in Kells, County Meath
Kells, County Meath
Kells is a town in County Meath, Ireland. The town lies off the M3 motorway, from Navan and from Dublin. In recent years Kells has grown greatly with many Dublin commuters moving to the town....
.
On 24 May 2007, a remarkable gathering of Irish traditional musicians and singers, including Paddy Keenan
Paddy Keenan
Paddy Keenan is an Irish player of the uilleann pipes who first gained fame as a founding member of The Bothy Band. Since that group's dissolution in the late 1970s, Keenan has released a number of solo and collaborative recordings, and continues to tour both as a soloist, and with...
, Donal Lunny
Dónal Lunny
Dónal Lunny is an Irish folk musician. Lunny has been at the forefront of the evolution of traditional Irish music for more than thirty-five years and has participated within the renaissance of traditional Irish music in that time period...
, Kevin Burke
Kevin Burke
Kevin Burke is an Irish fiddler considered one of the top living Irish fiddlers. Born in London to parents from County Sligo in 1950, Burke took up the fiddle at the age of eight, eventually acquiring a virtuosic technique in the Sligo fiddling style. In 1974, he moved to Ireland, where he formed...
, Mary Black
Mary Black
Mary Black is an Irish singer. She is well known as an interpreter of both folk and contemporary material which has made her a major recording artist in her native Ireland, and in many other parts of the world....
, Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill
Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill
Maighread Ní Dhomhnaill is an Irish traditional singer from Kells, County Meath. Known for her work with the short-lived, but very highly regarded Skara Brae and her collaborations with sister Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, as well as other traditional musicians...
, and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill
Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill
Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill is an Irish traditional singer, pianist, and composer, considered one of the most influential female vocalists in the history of Irish music. She is famed for her work with traditional Irish groups such as Skara Brae, The Bothy Band, Relativity, Touchstone, and Nightnoise.-...
, came together at Vicar Street
Vicar Street
Vicar Street is a concert and events venue in Ireland, located on Thomas Street, Dublin 8. Its capacity allows for 1,000 people for seated performances, and 1,500 people for standing gigs...
in Dublin to celebrate the life and music of Mícheál Ó Domhnaill.
Discography
With Skara Brae- Skara BraeSkara Brae (album)Skara Brae is an album of Irish traditional music by the group Skara Brae. Released by Gael-Linn Records in 1971, the self-titled album contains "beautifully performed Gaelic songs" and is considered one of the most important albums in its genre, notable as the first recording to include vocal...
(1971)
With Mick Hanly
- Celtic FolkweaveCeltic FolkweaveCeltic Folkweave is a studio album by the duo Mick Hanly and Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, who toured under the name Munroe, although that name does not appear on the album. Recorded in Ireland and released on Polydor Records in 1974, the album was a clear precursor for Ó Domhnaill's subsequent work with...
(1974)
With The Bothy Band
- The Bothy Band (1975)
- Old Hag You Have Killed Me (1976)
- Out of the Wind – Into the Sun (1977)
- After Hours (Live in Paris) (1979)
- Best of The Bothy Band (1983)
- The Bothy Band Live in Concert (1995)
With Kevin Burke
- Promenade (1979)
- Portland (1982)
With Billy Oskay
- NightnoiseNightnoise (album)- Track listing :# "Nightnoise" by Billy Oskay # "The 19A" by Mícheál Ó Domhnaill # "Bridges" by Mícheál Ó Domhnaill # "False Spring" by Billy Oskay and D...
(1984)
With Relativity
- Relativity (1985)
- Gathering Pace (1987)
With Nightnoise
- Something of TimeSomething of TimeSomething of Time is a studio album by Nightnoise. The album was release by Windham Hill Records in 1987.- Track listing :# "Timewinds" by Billy Oskay # "Perchance to Dream" by Billy Oskay and Mícheál Ó Domhnaill...
(1987) - At the End of the EveningAt the End of the EveningAt the End of the Evening is a studio album by Nightnoise. The album was released by Windham Hill Records in 1988.- Track listing :# "Windell" by Billy Oskay and Mícheál Ó Domhnaill # "Of a Summer Morn" by Mícheál Ó Domhnaill...
(1988) - The Parting TideThe Parting TideThe Parting Tide is a studio album by Nightnoise. The album was released by Windham Hill Records in 1990.- Track listing :# "Bleu" by Brian Dunning # "An Irish Carol" by Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill...
(1990) - A Windham Hill Retrospective (1992)
- Shadow of TimeShadow of TimeShadow of Time is a studio album by Nightnoise. The album was released by Windham Hill Records in 1993.- Track listing :# "One Little Nephew" by Mícheál Ó Domhnaill # "The March Air" by Mícheál Ó Domhnaill...
(1993) - A Different ShoreA Different ShoreA Different Shore is a studio album by Nightnoise. The album was released by Windham Hill Records in 1995.-Track listing :# "Call of the Child" by Brian Dunning # "For Eamonn" by Mícheál Ó Domhnaill...
(1995) - The White Horse SessionsThe White Horse SessionsThe White Horse Sessions is a live album by Nightnoise. The album was released by Windham Hill Records in 1997.- Track listing :# "Silly Flanks" by Brian Dunning # "Shadow of Time" by Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill...
(1997) - Pure Nightnoise (2006)
With Paddy Glackin
- Athchuairt / Reprise (2001)
With other artists
- Clannad 2 by Clannad (1974) (guitar, vocals)
- Tríona by Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill (1975) (guitar, leiriu)
- Noel Hill & Tony LinnaneNoel Hill & Tony LinnaneNoel Hill & Tony Linnane is an album by Noel Hill.When Noel Hill and Tony Linnane recorded this album back in 1978 they were two young musicians just starting out.-Tracks:# Humours of Ballyconnell; Drunken Landlady; Ryan's Reel# Geese in the Bog...
by Noel Hill (1978) (producer, church harmonium) - If the Cap Fits by Kevin Burke (1978) (guitar)
- New Land by Touchstone (1982) (producer, guitar)
- Thunderhead by Malcolm Dalglish (1982) (producer, guitar)
- Jealousy by Touchstone (1984) (producer, guitar, keyboards)
- Heartland Messenger by Gerald Trimble (1984) (guitar, harmonium)
- Matt Molloy by Matt Molloy (1984) (producer)
- First Flight by Gerald Trimble (1984) (guitar)
- Above the Tower by Magical Strings (1985) (producer)
- Fair Play by Puck Fair (1987) (guitar, whistle, human whistle)
- On the Burren by Magical Strings (1987) (producer)
- Heathery Breeze by Matt Molloy (1988) (guitar)
- Road North by Alasdair Fraser (1989) (guitar)
- Crossing to Skellig by Magical Strings (1990) (producer)
- An Rás by Tommy Hayes (1991) (arranger, guitar)
- Open House by Kevin Burke (1992) (producer)
- Best of Ireland by Celtic Graces (1994) (guitar, vocals)
- Brotherhood of Stars by Carlos Nunez (1997) (guitar)
- Migration by Valgardena (1997) (performer)
- Sun the Moon and the Stars by Jimmy Smyth (1998) (composer)
- Idir an Dá Sholas by Maighread Ní Dhomnaill (2000) (guitar)
- Zoë Conway by Zoë Conway (2002) (guitar)
- Peace of Mind by Peace of Mind (2003) (guitar)
- Live in Belfast by Cathal Hayden (2005) (guitar, vocals)
Compilation albums
- Windham Hill Sampler '84 (1985)
- Windham Hill: Autumn Portrait (1985)
- A Winter's Solstice (1985)
- Flight of the Green Linnet (1988)
- Windham Hill Sampler '88 (1988)
- A Winter's Solstice II (1988)
- Playing with Fire: Celtic Fiddle Collection (1989)
- Sona Gaia: Collection One (1990)
- Windham Hill: The First Ten Years (1990)
- A Winter's Solstice III (1990)
- Windham Hill Sampler '92 (1991)
- Heart of the Gaels (1992)
- Impressionists: A Windham Hill Sampler (1992)
- A Winter's Solstice IV (1993)
- Bach Variations: A Windham Hill Sampler (1994)
- Windham Hill Sampler '94 (1994)
- A Winter's Solstice V (1995)
- Celtic Christmas: A Windham Hill Sampler (1995)
- Celtic Twilight, Vol. 2 (1996)
- Sanctuary: 20 Years of Windham Hill (1996)
- Windham Hill Sampler '96 (1996)
- Green Linnet 20th Anniversary Collection (1996)
- Carols of Christmas (1996)
- Celtic Christmas II (1996)
- On a Starry Night (1997)
- Holding up Half the Sky: Women's Voices from Around the World, Vol. 1 (1997)
- There Was a Lady: The Voice of Celtic Women (1997)
- Celtic Love Songs (1997)
- Celtic Music Today (1997)
- Traditional Music of Scotland (1997)
- Candlelight Moments: Serene Sounds (1997)
- Celtic Christmas III (1997)
- Her Infinite Variety: Celtic Women in Music & Song (1998)
- Putting on Airs (1998)
- Legends of Ireland (1998)
- Celtic Christmas IV (1998)
- Winter Solstice Reunion (1998)
- Joyful Noise: Celtic Favorites from Green Linnet (1998)
- Celtic Woman (1999) Valley
- Best of the Thistle & Shamrock, Vol. 1 (1999)
- Celtic Christmas V: The Millennium Edition (1999)
- Voice of Celtic Music (1999)
- Holding up Half the Sky: Voices of Celtic Women II (1999)
- National Geographic: Destination Ireland (2001)
- Celtic Christmas: Silver Anniversary Edition (2001)
- The Dance Music of Ireland: Jigs & Reels (2002)
- The Acoustic Folk Box (2002)
- Christmas Adagios: Holiday Classics to Touch Your Heart and Soul (2002)
- A Windham Hill Christmas (2002)
- Windham Hill Chill: Ambient Acoustic (2003)
- Windham Hill Chill 2 (2003)
- Very Best of Celtic Christmas (2004)
- Essential Winter's Solstice (2005)
- Quiet Revolution: 30 Years of Windham Hill (2005)
- Winter's Songs: A Windham Hill Christmas (2010)
External links
- Mícheál Ó Domhnaill 1951-2006 Official Website
- "Promanade" by Kevin Burke and Micheál Ó Domhnaill (1978)
- "Tiocfaidh an Samhradh" by Mícheál Ó Domhnaill (1979)
- "Lord Franklin" by Micheál Ó Domhnaill and Kevin Burke (1979)
- "Casadh an tSugain" by Micheál Ó Domhnaill and The Bothy Band (1979)
- "Glen of Aherlow" by Kevin Burke and Micheál Ó Domhnaill (1980)
- "The Daisy Field"/"The Abbey Reel" by Kevin Burke and Micheál Ó Domhnaill (1980)