Muireann nic Amhlaoibh

Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh is an acclaimed traditional Irish singer, flute, and whistle player from Dún Chaoin, Co. Kerry, immersed in the rich West Kerry music tradition from a young age. Known for her versatility, she seamlessly transitions between folk, ballads, and sean nós, making her one of Ireland's most sought-after vocalists and instrumentalists.

Early Life and Education

• Grew up surrounded by traditional music in Dún Chaoin, Co. Kerry.
• Her father, a fiddler, introduced her to music sessions, where she began learning the flute, tin whistle, and sean nós singing from local singers.
• Earned an M.A. in Traditional Music Performance from the University of Limerick in 2002, where she later tutored in both singing and flute playing.

Career with Danú

• Joined the traditional group Danú in 2003, contributing as their lead singer and flute/whistle player.
• Highlights:
  • BBC 2 Folk Awards (2004):
  • Danú won "Best Group".
  • The song "The County Down" (written by Tommy Sands) won "Best Song."
  • Has toured internationally with Danú, performing in India, Bulgaria, Jordan, and beyond.

Solo Career and Collaborations

Albums:

Morning Star (Pre-Danú):

Her debut recording.

Daybreak (2006):

• A critically acclaimed solo album showcasing her versatility across traditional and contemporary styles.

Ar Uair Bhig an Lae: The Small Hours (2012):

• Features 11 tracks:
• Traditional Songs:
• "Bó na Leathadhairce."
• "Cois Abhann na Séad."
• "The Leaving of Limerick."
• "'S Ar Maidin Moch is Mé ar mo Leabain Bhoig" (by Máire Bhuí Ní Laoghaire).
• "The Bold Fenian Men" (by Peadar Kearney).
• "An Clár Bog Déil."
• Contemporary Songs:
• "Gold Hills" by Kate Burke.
• "A Single Thread" by Ger Wolfe.
• "Another Day" by Tim O'Brien.
• "An Chiúrach Bhléinfhionn" (newly set by Gerry O'Beirne).

Collaborations:

• Worked with artists and groups such as:
  • Julie Fowlis: Co-recorded the album Dual, exploring Irish and Scottish Gaelic music.
  • Darrell Scott, Liam Clancy, Na Píobairí Uilleann, and the Philip Kutev Choir of Bulgaria.
• Regularly collaborates with musicians at home and abroad and provides workshops in singing and flute playing.

Awards and Recognition

• Recipient of the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Singer of the Year Award (2011).
• Won Best Singer at the liveireland.com Awards (2005).

Artistic Style

• Versatile Singing: Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh is celebrated for the flexibility of her voice, which she can adapt to many different styles. She performs with equal skill in sean-nós, traditional ballads, and contemporary folk songs. Her singing is noted for its clarity of tone and its emotional depth, allowing her to connect powerfully with audiences.
• A Blend of Traditions: Her style often blends ornamentation from sean-nós singing with modern folk influences, creating performances that feel both authentic and fresh. This fusion has helped bring traditional Irish singing to wider audiences without losing its cultural roots.
• Instrumental Mastery: In addition to her singing, Nic Amhlaoibh is an accomplished flute and whistle player, often accompanying herself in performance. This ability showcases the richness of Irish traditional music and highlights her as a multi-talented artist who can both interpret and create music.

Through her work, Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh demonstrates how Irish music can remain deeply traditional while still evolving and appealing to new generations.

Exam Tips

• Mention Awards and Achievements: Highlight her TG4 Singer of the Year Award and her contributions to Danú's success.

• Discuss Her Versatility: Explain how she balances traditional sean nós with modern folk styles.

• Use Album Examples: Reference songs from Daybreak or Ar Uair Bhig an Lae to illustrate her range.

• Collaborations: Mention her partnerships with Julie Fowlis, Liam Clancy, and others.

• Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh's blend of tradition and innovation makes her a celebrated figure in the Irish music world, embodying the timeless beauty of sean nós while pushing creative boundaries.