Tracks Of My Years: Iarla Ó Lionáird

In my chair… Pic: Shane J Horan

aving first sang publicly at the age of five, made his first radio broadcast at seven, and his TV debut and, hey, album at the grand old age of twelve, music has always been a part of Iarla Ó Lionáird’s life.

The Roxy Years

Hardly surprising, given that the West Cork Gaeltacht lad had a mum and grandmother who were both singers in the traditional sean-nós style.

Sure, his great-aunt, Elizabeth Cronin, was even recorded by renowned musical archivist and explorer Alan Lomax.

Performing over the years with everyone from Seán Ó Riada to Peter Gabriel, and being an integral part of acclaimed bands The Afro-Celt Sound System and The Gloaming, Ó Lionáird has retained his childlike curiousity when it comes to collaborations and musical cross-pollination. And it’s led him to some strange new worlds.

Such as The Whale in Greystones, where Iarla will be joined by Cork pianist, composer, arranger and conductor Cormac McCarthy on Saturday night.

Which is why we asked this acclaimed ambience chaser to explore his musical roots, and reveal those damned songs that can still make him break down and cry…

Music, and singing in particular, captivated me from a very young age.

In fact, I have a very clear memory of my very first day in primary school when my teacher, Mrs. McSweeney, hoisted me up on a desk and asked me to sing for the class. I am not sure why that was but it seems that from a very young age I was given to singing.

The district in which I grew up, Baile Mhúirne in the West Cork Gaeltacht region of Músgraidhe, had a large bearing on this as well, given that this region was steeped in song culture for centuries past, and I was fortunate to have had wonderful teachers of song from a very early age.

I was also a member from the age of about 5 of Cór Chúil Aodha, the folk choir established in Cúil Aodha by composer Seán Ó Riada.

All of these factors combined made music a central aspect of my life form early on…

Van Morrison Higher Than The World (Inarticulate Speech of The Heart)
Although not universally revered, this album means a lot to me. I especially love the fact that there is so much instrumental music on it which has a mantra-like meditative feel to it. I might have been in my first year of college when this came out and I was already a fan of Van’s music, but this was a great tape to play on the walkman with its ambient feel courtesy of producer-composer Mark Isham. Just close the eyes and dream into the music.

Joni Mitchell Amelia (Hejira)
No other female voice affects me as much as Joni Mitchell, and if `I had to pick one, this is perhaps her finest recording, though by no means her only masterpiece. I’ve been listening to her for years and her recordings still surprise – the brilliant songwriting, the unique musicianship of her own playing and that of her stellar musicians. No one artist today in my mind remotely approaches her capabilities.

Prince When Doves Cry (Purple Rain)
Prince’s music transcends boundaries, and Purple Rain epitomises his genius. This album, with its mix of rock, funk, and R&B, captures the essence of his creativity. When Doves Cry is a personal favourite — a groundbreaking track that showcases his ability to merge emotional depth with innovative soundscapes. Prince’s virtuosity and unique flair made him a monumental figure in music, and this album is a testament to his timeless influence.

Bob Dylan Like A Rolling Stone (Highway 61 Revisited)
Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited represents a seismic shift in the landscape of rock music. Like a Rolling Stone stands out with its poignant lyrics and revolutionary spirit. Dylan’s knack for storytelling and his ability to capture the zeitgeist of an era is unparalleled. This album is a landmark, marking Dylan’s transition from folk troubadour to rock icon, and it continues to resonate deeply with listeners.

Darach Ó Catháin An Ciarraíoch Mallaithe (Traditional Songs Of Ireland)
Darach Ó Catháin’s voice is a window into the soul of traditional Irish music. An Ciarraíoch Mallaithe is a hauntingly beautiful track that highlights his profound connection to the sean-nós singing tradition. His ability to convey deep emotion through minimal instrumentation is awe-inspiring. Ó Catháin’s work is a crucial link to Ireland’s musical heritage, preserving the purity and rawness of ancient Irish song.

Miles Davis So What (Kind Of Blue)
Kind of Blue is not just an album; it’s a musical journey. So What is a personal favourite, encapsulating Miles Davis’s brilliance and the spontaneity of modal jazz. The seamless interplay between the musicians creates an atmosphere that is both relaxed and intense. This album is a cornerstone of jazz, and Davis’s innovative spirit continues to inspire musicians across genres.

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan Mustt Mustt (Shahen-Shan)
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s voice is a transcendent force in Qawwali music. Mustt Mustt is a track that showcases his incredible vocal range and spiritual intensity. His ability to infuse traditional Sufi music with contemporary elements made his work accessible to a global audience. Nusrat’s music is a bridge between cultures, evoking a profound sense of devotion and ecstasy.

Peter Gabriel In Your Eyes (So)
Peter Gabriel’s So is a masterclass in musical innovation and emotional expression. In Your Eyes is a standout track, blending world music influences with rock sensibilities. Gabriel’s emotive vocals and lyrical depth create a powerful listening experience. His willingness to experiment with different sounds and collaborate with diverse artists makes this album a timeless piece of art.

Paul Simon Graceland (Graceland)
Paul Simon’s Graceland is a vibrant tapestry of cross-cultural collaboration. The title track is a favourite, reflecting Simon’s journey through South African music. The album’s fusion of Western and African rhythms and its poignant storytelling make it a groundbreaking work. Simon’s lyrical prowess and the rich, diverse soundscapes of this album continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Talk Talk I Believe In You (Spirit Of Eden)
Talk Talk’s Spirit of Eden is an ethereal masterpiece that defies conventional genres. I Believe in You is a deeply moving track that exemplifies the band’s shift towards a more organic and introspective sound. The album’s minimalist approach and atmospheric textures create a meditative experience. Talk Talk’s evolution from synth-pop to art-rock pioneers is beautifully encapsulated in this album. I have my son Liam to thank for introducing me to this wonderful music.

You can catch Iarla Ó Lionáird and Cormac McCarthy at The Whale on Saturday, June 1st at 8pm – tickets here – and find out more about the lad himself right about here.