Ceolas Arcady
A very proficient traditional group from Ireland, created by ace bodhran player Johnny ("Ringo") McDonagh when he left De Dannan; the band has been up and down, and has included Sharon Shannon, Frances Black, Tommy McCarthy and Sean Keane in its lineup. Their first album, After the Ball, was a big hit, but then nothing was heard for a long time until "Many Happy Returns" which has marked a sort of resurection of the band.
The Celtic Heartbeat of Arcady
Enter Arcady, formed after master bodhrán and percussion player Johnny "Ringo" McDonagh left DeDannan in the late 80s. In its short life Arcady has seen enough personnel changes to rival McDonagh's old band. At one time or another the band has included Sharon Shannon, Brendan Larrisey, Frances Black, Peter O'Hanion, Tommy McCarthy, Louise Costello, Derek Hickey, Sean Keane, Cathal Hayden, Gerry O'Connor, Patsy Broderick, Nicolas Quemenar, Jackie Daly, and Niamh Parsons.
Arcady Many Happy Returns - Listen, Review and Buy at ARTISTdirect
The album 'many happy returns' track listing, album review and album credits
The Frances Black Homepage - Article: Arcady Celtic Series Features One of Ireland's Newest, Finest Groups
Living Tradition CD review of Arcady - Many Happy Returns
Hard to believe this is only the second recording from such a great band. Between albums there have been some changes, most notably in personnel. Frances Black is forging ahead with her solo career, while Jackie Daly has stepped some way along similar roads with the release of his own album earlier this year. New man on the button box is Conor Keane and the songster's vacancy has been taken by Niamh Parsons. The line-up remains otherwise unchanged with Johnny McDonagh, Nicholas Quemener, Patsy Broderick and Brendan Larrissey.
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