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Biografía
Members Paddy Moloney (principal composer/multi-instrumentalist), Sean Potts (tin whistle), and Michael Tubridy (tin whistle, Irish flute, concertina) formed the 1st manifestation of this Irish collective in Dublin in 1962. From that point they recruited Martin Fay and David Fallon and held their 1st rehearsal in Moloney’s house.
Previous to his career with the Chieftains, Moloney comprised part of the traditional Irish act, Ceoltóirí Chualann. He played the Uillean pipes, an instrument he had been studying since age 8. The unique integrative process in which he positioned this instrument in the mix became an integral part for both Ceoltóirí Chualann and the Chieftains sound.
The Chieftains released their self-titled studio debut in 1963. This album did not reach far outside the boarders of their homeland; however, within Ireland and even the UK they quickly became recognized as one of the most exciting folk acts to emerge in recent times. The band’s debut offering has helped lay the ground work for the fusion of olde time Irish folk music and modern rock and is also historically significant in the sense that it was one of the very 1st folk recordings to be recorded on stereo. The Chieftains took a lengthy break after this release as Moloney and Pots devoted most of their time to Ceoloiri Chualann. However, they resurrected the Chieftains quickly after Ceoloiri Chualann disbanded.
Their follow up album “The Chieftains 2” came out six years after their debut. Through the remainder of the 60s and into the early 70s the band operated on what has been described as a “semi-professional” level; nevertheless, they continued to output outstanding releases, continuing on with their simply devised album titles: “The Chieftains 3” (1971), “The Chieftains 4” (1973), “The Chieftains 5 (1975)”.
It wasn’t until 1975 that the group started generating a buzz internationally. This was the year that they released their brilliant 5th studio album, but most importantly it was the year in which they put out the soundtrack for Stanley Kubrick’s sweeping epic “Barry Lyndon”. Their placement of music in this film opened up a rabid fan base in the US and earned them an Academy Award.
From 1976 to 1980 the Chieftains averaged a little over 1 studio album release per year and were likewise incredibly proficient in the 80s.
Though the band’s sound holds true to the core of Irish traditional folk music they have never hesitated to adapt and expand their sound. This can be evidenced on their multi-cultural efforts such as “The Year of the French” and “The Chieftains In China”.
The group did not let up in the 90s or the 2000s as they issued a stream of releases throughout this period. In 2012 they marked their 50th anniversary with the album “Voice of Ages” . This album featured production by the highly revered music producer T-Bone Burnett and featured guest contributions from Paolo Nutini, The Decemberists, and Bon Iver.
Over the Chieftains five decade spanning career they have been awarded six Grammys and have performed with a countless number of artists of all genres some which include, Bob Dylan, Madonna, Ultravox, Van Morrison, Mike Oldfield, Elvis Costello, and Jackson Browne.
Críticas en vivo
The instrumental sound of The Chieftans is something that there really isn’t enough of in the music industry. The musicians playing their Irish folk music on every instrument imaginable from the harp, through to the flute, and back to the piano and drums is truly captivating and exciting to watch. The multi-instrumentalists switch from instrument to instrument whilst maintaining the foundation of their song.
Over the years, the band have won six Grammy Awards, an incredible success, and have several other awards under their belts. Seeing them live was incredible. On a studio recording, it’s almost impossible to comprehend the sheer skill and talent of the instrumentalists, but seeing them live, watching the grace and enthusiasm that each member performs with is incredible. Every member is a perfectionist at their instrument, and even if you’re not musical, it’s evident in the way that they play as a unit and bounce off each other.
Their recital of Voice of Ages was perfection, playing it in its entirety and holding an auditorium of thousands in complete silence throughout their performance. They are just as talented as they were 30 years ago, and their performance was spellbinding. I wouldn’t miss another concert for the world. You must see them perform live!
yazhow
Obviously, I am a big fan of The Chieftains - especially love how at some of their concerts, they have held an audition earlier in the day to invite local bodhran players to join them onstage. Fantastic! Also love how at some of their concerts, they encourage everyone in the audience to get up and join in the chain as fans wind their way through the hall to the tune the boys (and girl) are playing. Fantastic experience as always. Last time I saw them they were playing in Calgary. I would drive there again to see this band. Worth their weight in gold.
terri-mason
One of the best shows I've been to. The band was full of witty and charming banter between songs, and you could tell they were really enjoying themselves. They even included some hometown talent in the form of a local boys choir and drum and pipe band. Between the dancing, the stories, the solos, and the chemistry, it was an amazing night that won't be fogotten.
phart314
