With its remarkable energy, fresh perspective, and superlative musicianship, Solas has risen to the top of Irish music in just a few short years, winning scores of fans on both sides of the Atlantic and three consecutive awards from the Association for Independent Music for Best Celtic Recording. Always known for their penchant for creative arranging and distinctive choice of material, the members of Solas offer a highly original, strikingly contemporary view of traditional Irish sounds. In addition to virtuosic treatments of traditional tunes, expect a fascinating mix of contemporary works by the likes of Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, and Nick Drake, and an overall blend of time-tested styles with folk and country melodies, bluesy, sometimes jazz-inspired improvisations, and rhythms borrowed from all around the globe.

The Solas sound is anchored by two of the most widely imitated musicians in contemporary acoustic music, founders Seamus Egan (flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, whistle, guitar, and bodhran) and fiddler Winifred Horan. Add to this mix Mick McAuley on accordion and concertina, Eamon McElholm on guitar and keyboards, and and vocalist Máiréad Phelan and you've got a force to be reckoned with! Solas' most recent CDs is The Turning Tide (Compass).

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Listen to a track from Solas:

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