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Reviews

Casadh na n-Amhrán

Casadh na n-Amhrán was shortlisted for Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik (World Music), German equivalent of the Grammys, and chosen by Áine Hensey as her album of the week on Raidió na Gaeltachta. It received widespread and enthusiastic plaudits.

“Fran O’Rourke and John Feeley have wowed audiences with their performances of traditional music. Casadh na nAmhrán / Turning the Song is so captivating and hugely satisfying that words fail me in expressing how emotional an experience it has been listening to it… my recording of the year… Fran’s singing has that inestimable quality, the sine qua non of singing, which is to express through voice and words and delivery the essence and meaning of the song simply and effectively for the listener. An extra quality in Fran’s singing is his honest feeling for the song and an obvious pleasure in sharing it with the listener. Mind you, having the magic of a Feeley accompaniment adds hugely to the whole presentation.”
Aidan O’Hara, Irish Music Magazine

“This thoughtful collection of some of the most iconic songs in the tradition marries the crystal-clear vocals of Fran O’Rourke with exceptionally delicate guitar accompaniment from John Feeley, and brings the listener on an epic journey through distant and not so distant history with an impressive lightness of touch.”
Siobhán Long (Irish Times traditional music critic)

“The blend of Fran O’Rourke’s melodious voice and John Feeley’s masterful guitar accompaniment brings vibrant new life to favourite traditional songs. First-time recordings of two Turlough Carolan songs are a delight.”
Áine Hensey, Raidió na Gaeltachta

“John Feeley’s guitar wraps itself around Fran O’Rourke’s natural storytelling with such loving embrace that it is a tug to stop listening to this album, again… and again.”
Brendan Graham, songwriter

“John Feeley and Fran O’Rourke gave a lively and captivating performance to an enthusiastic audience at Clifden Arts Festival.”
Hugh Duffy, former CEO of IMRO

“O’Rourke and Feeley are troubadours in the best sense… I enjoy their music.”
Bob Quinn, film maker

Bloomsday, 16 June, celebrates the work of James Joyce, focusing on the events in his novel “Ulysses”, which all take place on 16 June 1904.

To mark the Day in 2021, President Higgins invited a number of artists including John Feeley and Fran O’Rourke to perform pieces related to the work of James Joyce.

Available for download at www.orourke-feeley.bandcamp.com