Download & Streaming

In my home growing up, my parents (Beth & Brendan) surrounded my sister, Siobhan, and I with a variety of musical instruments, and music of varying genres was playing constantly in our home. This early love of music and recognizing the ways that music can capture cultural history and complex emotions drew me into musical performance. You will hear my mother playing 12-string guitar (Four Green Fields) and my dad playing button accordion (Farewell to Carlingford) on this album. 

This album is the result of encouragement, collaboration, and the inspiration generated by many talented friends who encouraged me to release a solo recording. My great friend, Jonathan Leary, first planted the seed that I should do a solo record, and I probably laughed when he first mentioned it. Over the years, I started to think about ways that I could arrange songs the way I’ve been hearing them in my head. Over the period of a few years, this album has progressed and the empty spaces filled in musically with the help of some amazingly talented instrumentalists from around the world. 

A few of these songs and arrangements began with the first band I played Irish music with: Fergus. Cait Sargent, Tom Lubelczyk, Myra Macleod, and Pete Himmer brought the initial arrangements on these songs to life, and their contributions are evident in this album. 

Derek Warfield and Damaris Woods are incredible friends and they have given me the opportunity to play on big stages with the Young Wolfe Tones. Derek has enriched my appreciation for Irish history and the connections between Ireland and the United States. 

I am also very fortunate to play music with Shelagh O’Brien (Shelagh Rose) and Irish Whispa, as well as Blackstone Cuil in the past with Myra Macleod, John Guertin, and Steve Harnois. Playing live music with you all has given me the confidence to put this record together, and I appreciate your friendship.

Mike Ladd has been a friend and bandmate of mine for many years. By playing many of these songs and tunes with Mike live, he has helped to shape the arrangements and overall feel of the music you’ll hear. Mike is always willing to try new things spontaneously on-stage. I appreciate his contributions and support. 

Many thanks to Trevor Hutchinson for playing bass on many of these tracks, as well as for mixing the entire album. Many thanks also to David Doocey, Colin Farrell, Benny McCarthy, Bob Sarkala, Fergal Scahill, and Billy Sutton for their willingness to share their talents on this recording. Jason Whalen did the mastering on this album and he skillfully rounded out the sharp edges. 

Last and absolutely not least, my wife and best friend, Christina. Christina has supported me in my musical endeavors in every possible way. She has also tip-toed around the house as this album was tracked in my home recording studio. She has also heard the not-so-ready arrangements (and she didn't even block her ears) as the songs have evolved over the years. I'm very fortunate to have a true partnership with Christina in every possible way.