Clear Skies

Réalta

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Réalta’s new CD ‘Clear Skies’ was Produced, Recorded and Mixed by Dónal O’Connor and mastered by Cormac O’Kane here at Redbox Studios

“Delightfully spirited and masterfully executed. The magical sounds of uilleann pipes and whistles weave their way harmoniously through an array of beautiful songs, lively tunes and soulful airs. Réalta’s second album is a sumptuous blend of traditional music from Ireland and further afield and is a testament to the creative talents of these fine young musicians. The tradition is in safe hands with these guys. Long may their star continue to rise!”John McSherry

“A full bodied pipe and whistle extravaganza!”- Irish Music Magazine

Réalta are leading the new wave of Irish traditional bands. Paying homage to the music and the masters that have gone before, yet taking the tradition by the scruff of the neck and giving it a good old shake out!

Featuring an exciting blend of duelling uilleann pipes, whistles, guitars, bouzouki and bodhrán, coupled with beautifully arranged songs, all with a scent of Ulster and a particular Northern edge, Réalta are reshaping the landscape for touring Irish acts. Conor Lamb and Aaron O’Hagan pursue the melody on uilleann pipes and whistles like hounds on the hunt, guitarist Deirdre Galway explores the harmony and rhythms within the tunes with great subtlety and All-Ireland champions Dermot Mulholland and Dermot Moynagh complete the line-up with dynamic accompaniments on double bass, bouzouki, banjo and bodhrán.

Comprising former and current members of Craobh Rua, The Emerald Armada, The Gráinne Holland Band and Ioscaid (BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award Winners) and having toured in Germany and Switzerland alongside Irish music legends Altan, Réalta are former winners of the prestigious ‘Danny Kyle Award’ at Celtic Connections, and have performed for dignitaries and celebrities as far afield as India and South Korea. Most importantly though these young musicians have earned a reputation for delighting audiences with their enthusiasm, energy and passion and they bring to their stage performances an energy and vibrancy perhaps not seen since the emergence of the great Bothy Band.

This fantastic new recording manages to capture that live energy and takes us on a journey through ancient Irish manuscripts, the Celtic regions of the north of Spain, love songs by renowned Ulster Poets and classic compositions of 17th century blind harpers. It even manages to include a couple of new melodies from the pen of Belfast musicians Paddy Davey & John Mackel, and in doing so continues the age old cycle of tradition – shedding and absorbing music, new and old as it continues to wheel.

“Réalta – an exciting new name in Irish music – their approach is distinctive and invigorating and the results amazing!”  Folk and Roots Magazine

“Youthful, energetic, stellar music, from one of Ireland’s finest bands!”Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh (Altan)

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