MARTIN HAYES & DENNIS CAHILL

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill

Martin Hayes is a native of County Clare and is one of the most extraordinary talents having emerged from the world of traditional music. Martin’s music has a unique sound reinforced by the fiddle, and his past experience means Martin has truly mastered the art of the fiddle, shaping the future of Irish traditional music. Martin takes inspiration from musicians across the glove such as Spanish viola da gamber master, Jodi Savall, Estonian composer Arvo Pärt and jazz influences inspired by the legendary John Coltrane. As the son of founder and leader of the Tulla Ceili Band, his latest performing project is with The Gloaming which offers a diverse music experience with brave explorations and exhilarating explosive medleys with a distinct sound.

Dennis Cahill hails from Chicago born with County Kerry born parents. Dennis is a master guitarist having studied in the Windy City’s prestigious music college before becoming well known in his local music scene. As accompaniment to Martin, he has also collaborated with renowned fiddlers such as Liz Carrol, Eileen Ivers and Kevin Burke as well as Irish musicians from both sides of the Atlantic. As well as producing his music from his studio at home in Chicago he is also an accomplished photographer. Having met in the 1980’s, Martin and Dennis formed a jazz and rock fusion band, “Midnight Court” in which they extended their knowledge of alternate musical stylings. Following this, Martin reclaimed his Irish Trad roots and after recording two solo albums, he and Dennis began lyrical music of East Clare, playing lengthy multi-tune sets in their concerts from the simplest of melodies with building intensity. Q magazine praised their musical stylings as, “Sparsely accompanied fiddle music has rarely sounded so complete and so essential.” Dún Uladh looks forward to welcoming the talented duo on the 15th of September 2018.