Caitlín Nic Gabhann Unveils New Album 'An Ciúnas' and First Single

Caitlín Nic Gabhann, a talented concertina player and dancer from Meath, has officially announced her second solo album, 'An Ciúnas', alongside the release of its first single, 'Bernie's Tunes'. This new track is a heartfelt collection of jigs that encapsulates many of the core themes present in the album.

The single, 'A Tune for Bernie', is a tribute to her mother, Bernie Murphy, who instilled in Caitlín a love for dancing. Originally recorded as a two-part jig on her 2012 solo album, Caitlín has since added a third part to this beloved tune. Another piece featured on the album, 'Pat + Al's', was composed by the Chicago fiddler Liz Carroll, who created it for her children.

'An Ciúnas' marks Caitlín's first solo studio album since 2012 and showcases a personal and atmospheric collection of music. The album features collaborations with notable musicians such as Mark Kelly from Altan, Trevor Hutchinson from Lúnasa and The Waterboys, and Seán Óg Graham from Beoga, among others.

Caitlín's musical journey began in a household steeped in tradition. Raised in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, she learned the art of traditional music from her father, the renowned fiddle teacher Antóin Mac Gabhann, while her mother, Bernie Murphy, introduced her to the world of dance, connecting her to a rich heritage of set dancing from West Clare.

At the heart of 'An Ciúnas' lies a remarkable 120-year-old concertina, which Caitlín describes as having a deeper, mellower tone than a standard concert-pitch instrument. This unique sound has become a defining characteristic of the album. Caitlín expressed her initial uncertainty about whether the concertina could achieve a softer, more ambient quality, but her experience with this vintage instrument has changed her perspective.

Upcoming Album Launch and Personal Insights

The album is set to be officially launched with a live performance at The Sugar Club in Dublin on November 5th, a date that fans of Caitlín will surely mark on their calendars.

In a recent interview, Caitlín shared insights about her life and music. She revealed that she was a dancer before she became a musician and that her upbringing was filled with traditional Irish music and dance. Despite her love for traveling and performing in various cities, she finds joy in the everyday moments spent at home with her family, including her three children, one of whom is a twin.

Caitlín's days are a delightful mix of family life, including potty training and school runs, alongside her dedication to music, which she manages to record around her children's schedules. Her passion for music spans centuries, as she plays melodies that range from recent compositions to those that are 400 years old on her cherished concertina.

That's a Wrap

The vibrant musical environment of her childhood, characterized by house dances and sessions hosted by her parents, has profoundly influenced her artistic direction. Caitlín admires fellow mothers in the music scene who continue to grow as artists while balancing family life, citing Edwina Guckian as an inspiration.

As her new album 'An Ciúnas' prepares for its release, Caitlín Nic Gabhann stands poised to make a significant impact on the music scene, bringing her unique blend of tradition and personal storytelling to audiences everywhere.