Olllam, The - The Olllam '2012

Tracks list

In 2012, three of Celtic musics contemporary masters came together to create one
of the most interesting musical collaborations of the year. Dubbed The Olllam
(an old Irish word which refers to a master of a particular trade or skill), the
trio is the creative offspring of Belfast-native John McSherry (uilleann pipes
and whistles), and Detroit-natives Tyler Duncan (uilleann pipes, whistles,
guitar, Rhodes), and Michael Shimmin (drums and percussion). Building on their
tight-knit friendship and shared musical history together, they decided to write
and record an album from across the Atlantic-via Skype, e-mail, and cell-phone
voice memos. Almost as soon as they began, they discovered a synergy that took
on a life of its own, creating an intensely heart-felt, powerful, and personal
sound that actually gave them chills. Listeners may be reminded of modern
artists such as Radiohead and Coldplay at one moment and seminal Irish artists
such as the Bothy Band and Planxty may be equally reminiscent at another. Yet,
the overarching musical impression is organic, focused, distinct, and musically
mature. The Band: John McSherry was a founding member of the groups Lunasa and
at First Light and a lead instrumentalist in Donal Lunnys super-group Coolfin.
Over the course of his 15-year career he has set new standards on the uilleann
pipes and has been called a true master by Irish Music Magazine. Mike Shimmin
and Tyler Duncan are founding members of the Irish traditional-fusion crossover
band Millish and earned two International Acoustic Music awards while still in
their teens. Both have degrees in jazz performance. Mike Shimmin is a nationally
recognized, award winning jazz percussionist and Tyler Duncan is a World Uillean
Piping champion.

01. The Olllam - prolllogue (0:25)
02. The Olllam - the belll (6:48)
03. The Olllam - three signs of a bad man (6:14)
04. The Olllam - the devilll for my hurt (6:09)
05. The Olllam - the follly of wisdom (4:18)
06. The Olllam - the tryst after death (6:15)
07. The Olllam - bridge of glllass (6:06)
08. The Olllam - prayer for tears (7:19)

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