Fleadh @ The Black Box: Córas Trio.

about

Comprised of Kevin McCullagh (fiddle, electronics), Paddy McKeown (guitar, electronics), and Conor McAuley (drums), the trio blends free improv, electronic music, and Belfast’s “seisiún” scene, exploring the intersection of tradition and avant-garde. Rooted in Belfast’s historical dichotomies, Córas Trio bridges diverse musical approaches, juxtaposing traditional roots with avant-garde experimentation.

Their sound evokes a unique fusion where influences as varied as Schoenberg, Sun Ra, Seán Ó Riada, and Tommie Potts converge, creating an ethereal yet grounded musical landscape. The album features deeply atmospheric compositions reminiscent of Brian Eno’s discreet use of electronics, yet it resists categorization as ambient music, firmly occupying the foreground of contemporary experimental music.

Drawing occasional parallels to modern masters like Supersilent, The Necks, Bill Frisell, and Jan Garbarek, Córas Trio pioneers a new path, harmonizing seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive and innovative musical expression.

Performing as part of our Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 program