Folk Bands and Artists
Mick Hanly & Donal Lunny
It was somehow inevitable, that two stalwarts of Irish music whose careers have intertwined many times, would re-emerge as a musical duo. The combination of songwriter, Mick Hanly, and multi-instrumentalist/composer, Donal Lunny, is a marriage made in musical heaven.
In the 70’s, Lunny produced Hanly’s albums; the much-loved Kiss In The Morning Early and As I Went Over Blackwater. Following his departure from the ground-breaking Planxty, Lunny went on to found the hugely influential Bothy Band, and after some years on the continent with Andy Irvine, Hanly decided to go it alone and explore a more contemporary song writing style. However, their paths crossed again when Hanly took over from Christy Moore as vocalist in Moving Hearts. After 14 months with the band, Mick quit to concentrate on song writing. ‘The Hearts’ went on to record the magnificent album The Storm and Lunny then went on to form Coolfin; continuing to produce and play on a variety projects too numerous to mention.
Meanwhile, Hanly clocked a huge success in the US with ‘Past The Point Of Rescue’; recorded by Hal Ketchum… it picked up a 3rd BMI award in 2002 for 2 Million plays on American radio.
So, when recording his latest album, Homeland, Hanly again called on Lunny to add his unique sound, and the album is a joy. Hanly is joined by many of his old friends as he brings a traditional influence to some brand new stories, with Lunny, as always, adding his unique touches to the mix.
Now, the two ‘vets’ are back on the road; if they’re playing in your neck of the woods, don’t miss them!
