Co. Kerry has produced its fair share of great musicians and singers over the years and now Killarney fiddle and concertina ace Niamh Ní Charra has a cracking new album out called The Basque Irish Connection.
The idea took root in 2009 when Niamh invited Basque musician Ibon Koteron to collaborate with her on a project of the same name, which, with funding from the Music Network Touring Scheme, performed in venues all over Ireland and in the Basque country.
The success of the project in both countries fuelled the idea to record the material, again with financial help from the Music Network.
The result is a lovely uplifting album that pays homage to both cultures under the unifying banner of great music performed by gifted musicians playing with pride.
Niamh Ní Charra started playing music at the age of four going on to win numerous awards for her expertise on fiddle and concertina — both of which she later went on to teach. Niamh also gives regular workshops on both instruments. She has represented Ireland at festivals in Britain and France and even played support for The Chieftains and the brilliant Noel Hill before she reached her teens.
Niamh gave up a career in electronic engineering when the lure of music proved too strong and I doubt if she regrets it because she has toured the world for many years as a soloist with Riverdance, performing over 2,500 shows before returning to Ireland where she is now based.
She also tours extensively as a member of the Carlos Nunez band. Her previous albums received great reviews and her last release Sugach Samh/Happy Out was listed in Irish Music Magazine as “probably the best album of 2010”.
This new release can only enhance her already considerable status on the international Celtic music scene.
The album is available from Copperplate on 020 7585 0357 and Niamh’s website is www.niamhnicharra.com.
