Irish traditional group Beoga have had their third album The Incident included in the 2010 GRAMMY Awards nomination ballot in the ‘Best Contemporary World Music Album’ category. The album was released in January 2009 to widespread critical acclaim.
The Incident features a mix of original compositions, many penned by band members, alongside traditional favourites. It contains seven instrumental tracks and four songs, including the duet ‘On The Way’, a humorous song about a couple who squabble in their car after getting lost in Donegal, and on which singer Niamh Dunne trades vocals with the song’s composer Ciaran Gribbin (aka Joe Echo).
“It’s a great song,” Niamh enthuses, “and we’re also thrilled that Ciaran is enjoying worldwide success with Madonna’s hit single ‘Celebration’ which he co-wrote.”
The Grammy nomination caps a very successful year for the Antrim-based band, whose touring schedule has taken them to 13 countries. On St. Patrick’s Day the group were chosen as the cover feature for the Wall Street Journal, which described the quintet as “the most exciting traditional band to emerge from Ireland this century.” Then, following a blistering performance at April’s Houston International Festival, Beoga were honoured with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from the US House of Representatives. “We’re delighted people seem to be getting as much enjoyment listening to our music as we have making it,” says the band’s pianist Liam Bradley.
Another of the year’s highlights for Beoga was their return to the Gig ‘n’ The Bann Festival in Portglenone, County Antrim, where they first formed and where on September 5th they celebrated their 400th concert with a special ‘big band’ performance to a capacity audience. As bodhran player Eamon Murray says, “It was a very memorable evening. We were delighted to return to where we formed the band seven years ago, and to headline the festival.”
And there’s lots more to come, as the Beoga tour bus looks set to chalk up even more miles in 2010, with Europe and USA dates rapidly filling up their diary. They’re also looking forward to their first Australian and New Zealand tours, due to take place in May and June.
For all Beoga news, tour dates and album purchases visit www.beogamusic.com.
