Solas is an Irish-American folk group formed in Philadelphia in 1994. Considered by some to be the greatest contemporary folk band in the world, Solas has a distinctive sound, often characterized by powerful female the lead
... Solas is an Irish-American folk group formed in Philadelphia in 1994. Considered by some to be the greatest contemporary folk band in the world, Solas has a distinctive sound, often characterized by powerful female the lead vocalists, of which there have been three over the course of the group's career. Though the band's vocal talent can't be overlooked, it's often overshadowed anyway by the powerful music, which at times can be upbeat and exciting, ambient and ominous, or deep, simple, and reflexive. A great deal of the brilliance of the musical side of the group is masterminded by Séamus Egan, the lead producer, but the band has no lead music composer, which is why their styles are so diverse from song to song. Solas is a cluster of intricately weaved Celtic Irish influenced music and is a force to be reckoned with on the International stage of world music.
The band’s original lineup consisted of Seamus Egan (flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, tin whistle/low whistle, guitar, bodhrán), Winifred Horan (fiddle), John Doyle (guitar), John Williams (accordian), and Karan Casey (lead vocals). Over the years, only Egan and Horan have stayed with the band. The current members are now Egan, Horan, Mairéad Phelan (lead vocals), Eamon McElholm (guitar), and Mick McAuley (button accordion/piano accordion, concertina, low whistle, backing vocals). Since 1994 they have released eight studio albums and one compilation album (a Reunion album in 2006).
sources:
http://www.myspace.com/solasmyspacemusic
http://www.last.fm/music/Solas (biography)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solas_(group) Read more