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Music Capital Presents: Altan

Altan is arguably the most iconic band working in traditional Irish music today. For the past
35 years, they have been bringing the music of their native County Donegal to the world
stage. Irish-language songs and dynamic twin-fiddling, the hallmarks of Altan’s sound,
framework the band’s newest album, aptly titled Donegal. The album’s 10 tracks pay
homage to Donegal’s rich musical heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture.
The authenticity and allure of the music transports listeners to a bygone time in rural
Ireland while simultaneously forging a connection between the past and modern times.
Bandleader, lead vocalist and fiddler Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh is in fine form, lending her
angelic voice to “Liostáil mé le Sáirsint” and “The Barley and the Rye” and contributing
“Port Árainn Mhór/Port Kitty Rua Mooney,” an outstanding set of jigs, to the project. Altan’s
newest member, Clare Friel, shares vocal duties with Ní Mhaonaigh, most notably on the
track “Faoiseamh a Geheobhadsa” and adds her fiery twin fiddle playing to great effect.
Accordionist Martin Tourish brings his formidable chops and compositional sense to the
medley “The House of Baoithín” which pays homage to the mid 6th century Saint Baoithín.
Dáithí Sproule (guitar), Mark Kelly (guitar, harmony vocals) and Ciarán Curran (bouzouki,
mandolin) round out the band which is augmented by special guests Jim Higgins
(percussion), Steve Cooney (bass) and Graham Henderson (keyboards) on select tracks.
Recorded by Manus Lunny at Stiúidió na Mara (“Seafront Studio”) in County Donegal,
Donegal captures the essence of the region which has inspired Altan since the band’s
inception and further cements Altan’s legacy as one of the great cultural treasures of
Ireland.
No trad Irish band in the last thirty years has had a wider impact on audiences throughout
the world than Altan. Formed in County Donegal in 1987 by lead vocalist Mairéad Ní
Mhaonaigh and her late husband Frankie Kennedy, the group’s music is influenced by
traditional Irish language songs and tunes from Donegal. Over the course of their career,
Altan has sold over a million records.
Nashville, TN (March 1, 2024) – Traditional Irish music titans Altan release their new
album DONEGAL today. Irish-language songs and dynamic twin-fiddling, both hallmarks
of Altan’s sound, framework the new music which tributes the band’s native County
Donegal and its rich musical heritage, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. 
Bandleader, lead vocalist and fiddler Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh is in fine form thoughout,
lending her angelic voice to “Liostáil mé le Sáirsint” and “The Barley and the Rye” and
contributing “Port Árainn Mhór/Port Kitty Rua Mooney”, an outstanding set of jigs, to the
project. Altan’s newest member, Clare Friel, shares vocal duties with Ní Mhaonaigh, most
notably on the track “Faoiseamh a Gheobhadsa” and adds her fiery twin fiddle playing to
great effect. Accordionist Martin Tourish brings his formidable chops and compositional
sense to the medley “The House of Baoithín” which pays homage to the mid 6th century
Saint Baoithín. Dáithí Sproule (guitar), Mark Kelly (guitar, harmony vocals) and Ciarán
Curran (bouzouki, mandolin) round out the band which is augmented by special guests
Jim Higgins (percussion), Steve Cooney (bass) and Graham Henderson (keyboards) on
select tracks. Taken as a whole, the music transports listeners to a bygone time in rural
Ireland while simultaneously forging a connection between the past and modern times. 

Recorded by Manus Lunny at Stiúidió na Mara (“Seafront Studio”) in County Donegal,
DONEGAL captures the essence of the region which has inspired Altan since the band’s
inception and further cements Altan’s legacy as one of the great cultural treasures of
Ireland.  
No Irish traditional band in the last thirty years has had a wider impact on audiences
throughout the world than Altan. Formed in County Donegal in 1987 by lead vocalist
Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and her late husband Frankie Kennedy, the group’s music is
influenced by traditional Irish language songs and tunes from Donegal. Over the course of
their career, Altan has sold over a million records. 
Altan will be on tour throughout the US in March with dates beginning in California on
March 8th. A complete llist of Altan’s upcoming dates follows below.
DONEGAL is out today on Compass Records.