www.facebook.com/artisanrowmusic

On Friday 21 April, the London-based traditional/folk quartet, will release its debut album, Wild Winds, in a concert at the beautiful St Cyprian’s Church, Clarence Gate (near Baker St), Glentworth St, London NW1 6AX. Doors open at 7.00 pm. Tickets £10.

Artisan Row brings together four well-known figures from London’s traditional Irish and folk music scenes: Conor Doherty (guitars, vocals), Elma McElligott (sax, flute, low whistle, backing vocals), Pete Quinn (piano, keyboard, backing vocals) and Karen Ryan (banjo, mandola, fiddle, low whistle)

Artisan Row first performed together in 2012, at the Ennis Trad Festival, to launch Ryan’s acclaimed solo fiddle CD, The Coast Road (Cló Iar-Chonnacht, CICD188) which features both Quinn and Doherty. As solo performers and members of other groups, the quartet’s collective musical CV includes performances at Cambridge Folk Festival, Glastonbury Festival, The Roundhouse, Temple Bar TradFest, Ronnie Scott’s, the Barbican and the Royal Albert Hall, and extensive radio?TV appearances (BBC Radio 3 - In Tune, RTE - Today with Sean O’Rourke, TG4 - Féilte, Geantrai and Hup!).

Husband and wife Quinn and Ryan performed together for 15 years in The London Lasses, recording four albums in the process. Their current joint projects include The McNamara Céilí Band and The Trad Gathering, plus a forthcoming trio CD with the legendary Tulla accordion player, Andrew Mac Namara. Ryan and McElligott perform together in the current incarnation of the  London Lasses, while the musical relationship between Quinn and Doherty stretches back to their first meeting as postgrad students at Goldsmiths, University of London, in the late 1990s. Exploring the full range of traditional tunes and songs, from effervescent reels to emigration ballads, Artisan Row uses its rich musical palette to set the material in striking and ear-catching ways whilst always respecting the tradition and the melody.

Wild Winds was recorded, mixed and mastered by four times Grammy-nominated producer and musician, James McMillan. Reviews to date include:

“A very fine collection of traditional and newly composed tunes and songs from four well-seasoned and adventurous musicians at the top of their game, on which they also pay homage to some of their musical heroes. I wish them every success with this recording.” Máirtín O’Connor

“Having delighted in listening to this album by Karen, Pete, Elma and Conor, it brings to focus for me why I love traditional Irish music and have never felt the need to find sustenance outside of that genre. These four musicians present a variety of tune types, moods, and rhythms in their choice of melodies and songs with strength, delicacy, history or harmony as the spirit moves. They are at ease on many instruments and bring me back through many years and many magic music moments to appreciation of a gift freely given by a very generous and big-hearted people.” Tommy Peoples

For further information www.facebook.com/artisanrowmusic