.the olllam.
the olllam
Debut Album Cover 'the olllam'

Songs

Track 3 from Debut Album 'the olllam'
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Videos

5 min documentary of 'the olllam'
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  • country:Ireland
  • region:Northern Ireland
  • style(s):Celtic, Jazz
  • label:Compass Records
  • type:Band
  • gender:male
  • instrumentation:instrumental, jazz combo
  • artist posted by:Ackland, Jody

Line up

  • 1. John McSherry (Uilleann Pipes, Flutes)
  • 2. Tyler Duncan (Uilleann Pipes, Flutes, Guitar, Rhodes Keys)
  • 3. Micheal Shimmin (Drums, Percussion)
  • 4. Joe Dart (Bass)
  • 5. Peter One (Keyboards/Rhodes)
  • 6. Peter Two (Acoustic and Electric Guitars)

Links

"If Lunasa set the gold standard for traditional acoustic music, these guys are bucking for platinum. The word ollam is old Irish for a master musician, and there are three master musicians here."
- Irish Music Magazine

Belfast-born uilleann piper John McSherry and Detroit natives Tyler Duncan and Michael Shimmin have been dreaming of .the olllam. for the last decade. With a name inspired by the king's own ollam bards of Irish lore, the trio wanted an ensemble that naturally represented their combined experience in a multiplicity of styles. McSherry, one of the best uilleann pipers in the world and a founding member of legendary Irish group Lunasa, has been dubbed "a true master" by Irish Music Magazine and is well known for his current work with his group At First Light as well as his '90s stint with Donal Lunny's Coolfin. Duncan and Shimmin have also been busy in the United States performing and recording with their award-winning Irish-jazz crossover group Millish with Duncan doing double-duty in the dance-rock group My Dear Disco/Ella Riot. It seemed that the right moment for collaboration between the three musicians would never present itself.

However, in February 2012 during the calm before the summer festival season, the trio finally wrote and recorded an original album together, overcoming the Atlantic divide by means of the internet they rehearsed and composed live on Skype and built the tracks back and forth one part at a time between emails. The result, their eponymous debut .the olllam., available Sept. 25 on Compass Records, is lush with trance-like melodies, stunning instrumental virtuosity and a magical marriage of tradition and technology, finding the listener somewhere between Radiohead and Planxty with the ambient emotionalism of Nick Drake or Explosions in the Sky.

Simplicity is key for the trio. They wanted their musical ideas to mature organically in a controlled environment, rather than produce anything contrived or over-composed. It is their collective sense for arrangement Duncan (uilleann pipes, whistles, guitar, Rhodes) and Shimmin (drums and percussion) both hold degrees in jazz performance, and the legendary McSherry (uilleann pipes and whistles) has performed and written with a wide variety of artists, from Ornette Coleman to Nanci Griffith that gives the album its distinct style and form.

The trio's approach to composition is unique in Irish music as well, foregoing the familiar jigs and reels. "We really wanted to investigate the melodies but focus on simplicity and memorability. Everything had a purpose with no excess," comments Duncan. "Together we created a feeling of a narrative, each song is highly personal and tells a story. There are verses, pre-choruses and bridges instead of the traditional Irish tune forms."

These 7 adventurous instrumental tracks are fully engaging, whether the rhythm section gradually adds and builds to a powerful climax as on "the belll" or energetic eighth note bass lines interplay with Duncan's Rhodes piano and McSherry's catchy melody as on "the follly of wisdom." Subtle fuzz bass guitar from guest Joe Dart and stripped-down driving percussion of Shimmin compliment the complex and beautiful tone of both McSherry and Duncan. "Conceptually we took a more pop approach but really wanted to make sure it sounded totally organic at the same time. Basically, I was thinking more as a composer and less as a drummer," comments Shimmin.

Mysterious and masterful as the legendary ollam Irish bards from which they draw their name, McSherry, Duncan and Shimmin have discovered a synergy within their diverse musical backgrounds introducing a new Irish crossover group rife with creative brilliance and progressive appeal. Reflects McSherry, "I think we were all nicely surprised at how quickly and easily our ideas merged together and manifested into the music everything seemed to fall into place right from the start. It was like we all knew instinctively that this was to be a special musical journey"

"The olllam's new sound will surely fly high . . ."
- The Irish Times

". . . an exquisite combination of virtuosic acoustic music with electric instruments. 'the olllam' is an extraordinary Irish fusion album by three masters happily at work."
- World Music Central

". . . it definitely lives up to the hype."
- Tradconnect

"The simplicity brings elegance and clarity."
- Valley Advocate

"Pushing several fronts at once, this album does not easily fit into any standard music category. Is it traditional, avant-garde, improvised, hypnotic, jazzy, or just cool-to-listen-to? One thing I do know: I want to get 'the olllam' into rotation on the CD player in my car ASAP."
- Michael Erlewine, Founder All-Music Guide