This internationally acclaimed singer and her band, on tour from Ireland, embrace a continuing tradition: firmly rooted in traditional Irish music while absorbing and reflecting the influences of the contemporary global jukebox.

Karan Casey is one of the most instantly recognizable, alluring and original voices in all of world music. Her new recording, Distant Shore, is a collection of potent and beautiful Irish and contemporary ballads. The subtle and sensitive instrumentation and arrangements on all of the CD's tracks illuminate Casey's voice and illustrate just what she can do with her magical instrument. The former lead vocalist with the Irish supergroup Solas exhibits the grace, pacing and richness of an old soul.

Karan began to learn about the drama of songs while a youngster in Ballyduff Lower, County Waterford. She was taught classical technique by Lupeta Sheehan and traditional songs by the Foran family, who encouraged her to enter local music competitions. As she grew older she discovered jazz and spent many hours listening to Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. She went on to sing pop, jazz and Irish standards in pub bands. In 1994, Seamus Egan and Winifred Horan heard Karan sing with Atlantic Bridge in New York City and soon after asked her to join the band they were forming - Solas. Solas quickly became one of the most celebrated Irish bands in the U.S., and Karan's four years with the group were pivotal.

Distant Shore showcases Karan's superb talent for interpreting traditional Irish material and her ability to bring her considerable traditional song training to bear on contemporary material by songwriters such as English rocker Billy Bragg, American bluegrass/traditional artists Tim O’Brien and Darrell Scott and Irish singer/songwriter John Spillane and poet Louis de Paor. The blending of songs from the traditional Irish canon and recent tunes suits Karan’s musical background as well as her desire to test herself with newer songs.

Karan will be joined by Niall Vallely (concertina/low whistle), Robbie Overson (guitars) and Paul Meehan (bouzouki,mandolin,banjo,guitar).

http://www.karancasey.com/