Gráda

Gráda is a traditional Irish music band founded in 2001 whose members are a mix of Irish and New Zealand musicians. Gráda is based in Dublin and Galway, Ireland, but spent much time touring internationally. In 2006, Gráda played in 16 different countries. In 2011, members of Gráda disbanded to work on individual projects.[2]

For the Polish village, see Grada, Poland.
Gráda
Gráda at Kult, Niederstetten, 2010
Background information
GenresIrish folk, Celtic
Years active2001–2011[1]
LabelsCompass
Websitegradamusic.com
Past members
  • Andrew Laking
  • Nicola Joyce
  • Gerry Paul
  • David Doocey
  • Stephen Doherty
  • Anne Marie O'Malley
  • Brendan O'Sullivan
  • Colin Farrell
  • Alan Doherty

Musical career

The group draws from a wide range of influences, which has seen them working with Dave Hingerty (The Frames, The Swell Season); Vyviene Long (cellist with Damien Rice); and, as a producer, Trevor Hutchinson (Lúnasa, Sharon Shannon, The Waterboys). Further additions have included Dublin based trumpeter Bill Blackmore and percussionist Rasmus Skovmand.

In 2008, it was announced Colin Farrell had decided to leave the band. Multi-instrumentalist David Doocey is currently touring with the band. In April 2009, Alan Doherty left the band and was replaced by Stephen Doherty (no relation). Alan returned to the group in 2011.

Charts and critical reception

Gráda have received critical acclaim, with their latest album Natural Angle being voted as one of the top folk albums of 2010 in the USA by NPR / Folk Alley and the IMA music awards.[3] Their previous album, Cloudy Day Navigation appeared multiple times in Irish Music's Top 10 charts. [4] Gráda have received glowing reviews from Irish Music,[5] Sing Out!,[6] The Irish Times,[7][8] The Evening Herald[9] and The Event Guide.[10][11]

Band members

Former members
  • Anne Marie O'Malley – vocals and bodhrán
  • Brendan O'Sullivan – fiddle, viola, and vocals
  • Colin Farrell – (fiddle, vocals) (2006–2008)
  • Alan Doherty – (flutes, whistle, vocals)

Discography
  • Off to Sardinia – 2001 (out of production)
  • Endeavour – 2002
  • The Landing Step – 2004
  • Cloudy Day Navigation – 2007
  • Natural Angle – 2010 (Compass)

References
  1. http://www.gradamusic.com/info.html
  2. http://www.gradamusic.com/info.html
  3. "Compass Records". Archived from the original on 19 January 2013. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  4. Irish Music Magazine. "Charts", Irish Music. Accessed 4 November 2007
  6. Weir, R. "Gráda Endeavour" Archived 17 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Sing Out!, 2005. Accessed 4 November 2007
  7. Long, S. "Gráda The Landing Step" Archived 17 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Irish Times, 2004. Accessed 4 November 2007
  8. Long, S. "Grada Endeavour" Archived 17 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Irish Times, 2002. Accessed 4 November 2007
  9. McQuaid, S. "Trad's Ring-o stars" Archived 17 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, The Evening Herald, 2004. Accessed 4 November 2007
  10. Mahoney, P. "Gráda Endeavour" Archived 17 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, The Event Guide, 2004. Accessed 4 November 2007
  11. "Past, Present and Future" Archived 17 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine, The Event Guide, 2002. Accessed 4 November 2007
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