Cork’s, and arguably Ireland’s premier pedal steel player David Murphy released one of our favourite albums of last year with debut LP Cuimhne Ghlinn: Explorations in Irish Music for Pedal Steel Guitar. A sublime collection of interpretations of traditional songs, it was another part of a growing body of work that is reshaping the role of the pedal steel away from its American roots and into global folk and contemporary music. His work has spanned soundtracks, collaborations with acclaimed Irish songwriters like The Lost Brothers, Arborist and John Blek, to versions of Led Zeppelin’s ‘The Rain Song’ and Aphex Twin’s ‘Avril 14th’ that would render you speechless.
We’re pleased to give you a first listen to his latest single, an expansive interpretation of Irish traditional tune ‘The March of the King of Laois’. Murphy produces and plays pedal steel, synths and electronics on the track, joined by Esther Ensemble, who comprise pianist Ultan Lavery, cellist Laura McFadden, violinist Niamh Dalton, and Michael Riordan on double bass. Of the
“Producing the album Cuimhne Ghlinn was, for me, a thrilling dive into Irish music with pedal steel guitar, aided by a masterful group of collaborators in the studio. I felt though I was still only scratching the surface of what is possible with the instrument within our traditional repertoire. Following a busy year of live performances, I’ve been excited to get this group of musicians together in the studio to dig further, exploring other forms of traditional Irish music with pedal steel guitar. This well-known piping tune has origins dating back through the mists of time in 16th century Ireland, with themes sadly still familiar in the 21st century.
Previously recorded by The Chieftains and Sean O’Riada amongst others, it was composed in honour of the O’Moore clan who led Ireland during the Irish Confederate Wars, fighting against oppression imposed upon the Gaelic people and of the confiscation of lands during the colonisation and plantation of English settlers.”
