» Edit Band Information
» Edit Albums
» Add a Review
» Add an Album
» Add News | Mary Courtney and Morning Star
Mary Courtney grew up in a musical family in the parish of Castlegregory, near the sea in County Kerry, a likely beginning for this remarkable
singer and guitarist. Whether accompanying herself, or holding the rhythm line with her trad band, Morning Star, she is a consummate
musician. Her music is an engaging collaboration of traditional Irish music and a progressive social conscience born of a political education in
the United States. Her bodhrán (Irish hand-held drum) playing offers another dimension to her exceptional performance. Courtney has used
her music to spread Irish culture ...read more
Mary Courtney grew up in a musical family in the parish of Castlegregory, near the sea in County Kerry, a likely beginning for this remarkable
singer and guitarist. Whether accompanying herself, or holding the rhythm line with her trad band, Morning Star, she is a consummate
musician. Her music is an engaging collaboration of traditional Irish music and a progressive social conscience born of a political education in
the United States. Her bodhrán (Irish hand-held drum) playing offers another dimension to her exceptional performance. Courtney has used
her music to spread Irish culture and to educate her audience about the struggles of the Irish people. From rock ‘n’ roll to the ethereal strains
of some ancient Celtic bard, Mary can sing anything, and sing it unforgettably.
Mary formed Morning Star in 1982 in the Bronx. Since then they have recorded several albums, and played at a variety of festivals across the
USA. Morning Star is a stellar line up of gifted musicians. John Redmond on button accordion is the driving force in the band’s joyous cascade
of jigs and reels. He left Co Wexford with 4 All-Ireland titles, and for years has played with the finest musicians in New York City, in a variety
of genres. One of the great box players of our day, with a bright and lively waterfall of sound, he is flawlessly melodic on tunes, subtle and
sensitive in his backing of Mary’s songs. Donie Ryan on tenor banjo is a key element in the high energy of Morning Star. Born and raised in Co
Tipperary, now settled in Queens, he is an integral part of the New York trad scene, a rock solid player who is always note for note, with a
deft and lyrical touch that blends perfectly with John’s accordion and Mary’s guitar.
Courtesy of CD Baby « hide |
Similar Bands: Mary Courtney, Black 47, Runa, Enter the Haggis, The Town Pants Contributors: Divaman,
|
