Described by Irish Music Magazine as “one of the best bands on the scene today”, the traditional Irish music group, The London Lasses, will launch their 25th Anniversary Album, LL25 at The Dock. Featuring: Karen Ryan (fiddle, mandola, banjo, whistle), Elma McElligott (flute, sax, whistle), Bernie Conneely (banjo), Bróna McVittie (vocal, harp), Teresa Connolly (fiddle), Annie Quinn (uilleann pipes, flute, whistle) and Pete Quinn (keys)
Featuring all new material and including both past and present band members, the recording celebrates the band’s musical journey over the past quarter-century and showcases the powerfully traditional signature sound which they've become known for.
The album spans four centuries of Irish music, from ‘Planxty Thomas Burke’ penned by the harper-composer Carolan (1670-1738) to newly composed tunes by concertina player Edel Fox, flute player Tommy Fitzharris and harper Michael Rooney. Captivatingly sung by vocalist Bróna McVittie, the album's four songs include the beautiful 'Bánchnoic Éireann Ó (The Fair Hills of Ireland)', a song in praise of Ireland dating from the 1700s.
LL25 is also a celebration of both the close-knit group of musicians who have been part of the Lasses’ story so far, and the long history of traditional Irish music in London, a rich cultural heritage which they are extremely proud to be part of. As band leader Karen Ryan, Director of the annual Return to London Town Festival and one of the leading lights of traditional Irish music in London, says: “This album is one that’s very close to my heart. It brings together 16 wonderful musicians and brings back a lifetime’s worth of musical memories and friendships.”
Since first getting together for an informal tour of the US in 1997, The London Lasses have performed at some of the biggest festivals and venues in the world including the Royal Albert Hall in London, where they played the first ever BBC Proms céilí, Cambridge Folk Festival, Dublin City Hall, the Concertgebouw, Philadelphia Irish Festival and Glastonbury.
From mellifluous vocals to lively instrumentals, The London Lasses invite you to join them on this special musical journey and experience the beauty and richness of traditional Irish music.
