beoga Updated Sept 2007

 

Beoga (Irish word for ‘lively’) are a five-piece traditional band based in County Antrim, Ireland. The band was drawn together after ‘jamming’ in a ferocious music session at the All-Ireland Fleadh in August 2002. Their unique sound features the twin duelling accordians of Seán Óg Graham and Damian McKee, along with four times All-Ireland bodhrán champion Eamon Murray and pianist Liam Bradley. In 2005, Beoga were nominated by Irish Music Magazine for the best traditional newcomer’s award. With the addition of one of Ireland’s premier young singers, Niamh Dunne, Beoga are confirming their reputation as one of the most exciting acts to emerge from Ireland in recent years.

The band released their debut album 'a lovely madness' in September 2004, to critical and popular acclaim in Ireland, Europe and America. Describing Beoga as a ‘phenomenon’ and their music as ‘madcap genius’, Irish music magazine predicted they would make a big mark on the Irish music scene.

The bedrock of Beoga’s music lies firmly within the Irish tradition, but they are not afraid to incorporate other genres’ nuances into their music. From bluesy riffs to Astor Piazzola-style jazz, to a raunchy New Orleans jamboree vibe, their music always returns to a wonderfully bouncy traditional sound. With a repertoire of fresh self-penned tunes and inventive arrangements, the debut album 'a lovely madness' earned 9/10 in Ireland’s Hot Press music magazine and was one of the Top Trad/Folk Albums of the year.

The group’s 2007 release Mischief’ has also received excellent reviews across the board, including a phenomenal 9.5/10 rating from Hot Press. The album is tipped by Irish Music Magazine and US based ‘The Celtic Connection’, among others, as a contender for 2007 album of the year. The Chicago American Times proclaims “super vocals, a terrific staccato beat to the rhythm, with a real sense of style and wit. This is a major major band to be reckoned with.” The Irish Echo describes Beoga as “perhaps the most audacious band rooted in trad today” ranking them with Irish group Grada, as the two most promising bands launched in the new millennium.

Over the last few years Beoga have performed at major Celtic and Folk festivals throughout Europe and the USA, including the All-Ireland music Fleadh, Dranouter, Tonder, Boston, Kansas and Milwaukee Irish Festivals, the Guinness Irish Christmas tour of Austria, the Irish Folk Festival tour of Germany along with Solas and Kevin Burke, and the Irish Unplugged Tour of Holland with the Fureys and Davey Arthur. In September 2007, Beoga performed live with the BBC Orchestra to a television audience of millions as part of the prestigious ‘Last night of the Proms’. Beoga’s popularity continues to flourish, as they captivate audiences on a global scale with their blend of passion, energy and vitality.

 

reviews

‘Madcap genius! Beoga’s music has the authority of master craftsmen; unafraid to take chances and walk on traditional music’s wild side. They are injecting raw adrenaline into the tradition. In Niamh Dunne they have a formidable vocal talent.  IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE

A stunning band. Super vocals, a terrific staccato beat to the rhythm with a real sense of style and wit. This is a major, major band to be reckoned with…. Power and nuance, humor, talent aplenty. Get ready for a long run for Beoga.  CHICAGO IRISH-AMERICAN NEWS

Great arrangements, rhythmic energy and gear changes in every set of tunes ... a very inventive and entertaining band. They really lifted the roof!  BBC RADIO FOLK CLUB

“...a heady, virtually head-spinning sonic blend stamping Beoga as perhaps the most audacious Irish band rooted in trad today. For finesse, fire, and flirtatious fun, this album is an overflowing treat, and among Irish bands launched in this new millennium, Beoga joins Grada as two of the most promising to watch.” THE IRISH ECHO

Individually talented and collectively inspired, this is a quartet who speaks a language called music with a fluency beloved of the best multi-linguists. THE IRISH TIMES

‘Beoga’ is Irish for ‘lively’, and that’s certainly an accurate name. With no less than two superb button accordionists on board, plus assorted backing instruments, a knack for penning nifty original tunes, and a willingness to put considerable thought into their arrangements, Beoga should go far.  HOT PRESS

 

the band

Seán Óg Graham: button accordian, guitar

From Portglenone, Co. Antrim, Seán Óg Graham is one of Ireland’s most dynamic young button accordion players. He has achieved numerous All-Ireland titles and is also a gifted, self-taught guitarist.

He has several television appearances to his credit, and has appeared as guest soloist with the Irish Harp Orchestra, the Canadian Youth Orchestra and Alan Kelly’s ‘Celtic Legends’ show. He has recorded with various Irish musicians and recently he has been accompanying ‘Solas’ members Winifred Horan and Mick McAuley at their ‘Serenade’ concerts in Ireland and Europe. 

Seán Óg is a talented composer and a wide range of influences is evident in his music writing. He is a graduate of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at Limerick University, where he has been guided by some of the finest musicians in the world.

 

Eamon Murray: bodhrán, percussion

Eamon Murray from Randalstown, Co. Antrim is one of the most respected young bodhrán players in Irish music. Described by Johnny McDonagh (De Dannan/Arcady) as “the future of bodhrán playing”, and by the Irish Echo’s Earle Hitchner as “one of the most captivating bodhrán players I've heard in years”, Eamon has held the All-Ireland Bodhrán title on four occasions. Irish Music Magazine writes, “Murray has got to be the most talented up and coming bodhrán player in Ireland today.”

Eamon has performed alongside many distinguished artists including Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin and Liam O’Maonlai and was highly commended in the 2004 Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year competition.

 

Liam Bradley: piano

On piano/keyboard, Liam Bradley from Tobermore, Co. Derry is known throughout the world for his music for Irish dancing. He has produced recordings and provided accompaniment for major Irish Dancing events, including the All Ireland, American and Australian National Championships and the World Championships.

His music has been used for many shows and performances, from the Royal Albert Hall, Áras an Uachtaráin and the White House, to a ‘Barney the Dinasaur’ DVD. He also arranged the music for the RTE television series “Rising Steps”

Over the last few years, Liam has made the transition from keyboards to piano, bringing a fresh approach to traditional piano playing.

 

Damian McKee: button accordion

Damian McKee, from Dunloy, Co. Antrim, is a top exponent on button accordian. In the 90’s he toured Ireland, Britain and America with Comhaltas Ceolteori Eireann and over the last few years he has continued to travel worldwide as his music became popular within Irish dance circles. He is a prolific composer and many of his works feature in the Beoga repertoire.

Through his teaching, Damian’s influence on traditional accordian playing in the North of Ireland is far-reaching. He is in frequent demand for workshops throughout Ireland, as well as the USA and Canada.

 

Niamh Dunne: Vocals, Fiddle

Niamh Dunne is a highly accomplished singer, songwriter, fiddler and composer from Co. Limerick. Daughter of well-known piper Mickey Dunne, Niamh has made guest appearances on several CD’s over the years. Her 2004 album, ‘Legacy’, was recorded with her father and sister Bríd, and featured among the Irish Echo top traditional albums of 2004

Niamh is a well-respected classical violinist, twice receiving the high achievers award from the London Associated Board of Western Art Music, with whom she is a qualified teacher. She is also a graduate of the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick University.

Prior to joining Beoga in 2005, Niamh had toured extensively with the Dunne family, and also played on the world stage with the acclaimed music and dance show "Ragús".