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Téada is led by Oisin Mac
Diarmada (Oh-sheen Mac Dermotta), called "one of the most
talented fiddlers in Ireland today" by the Irish Echo.
Playing the fiddle since the age of six, Oisin was born in County
Clare and raised in Sligo, learning from such great Clare fiddlers
as John Keely, Joe Ryan and Bobby Casey and absorbing the rich
musical traditions of both regions. He first teamed up with
the London-born John Blake (guitar, flute), Seán McElwain
of Monahan (banjo, bouzouki) and Dubliner Tristan Rosenstock
(bodhrán) in 2001, for the Irish-music TV series "Flosc."
The performance was so successful that it marked the unofficial
debut of téada. An expanded musical vision later brought
in fifth member, accordionist Paul Finn of County Laois.
Though the bandmembers are all in their twenties, téada's
fresh approach draws its inspiration from the past. The group
plays with an unhurried assurance and elegant pace that belies
its young age, and their tune-selections include little-played
gems from the great Irish masters of the 20th century. Says
the Irish Times, "the group imbues their music with a decidedly
Old World feeling...satisfied to let the music breathe."
Téada released its eponymous debut CD in 2002, greeted
by universal acclaim with critics praising Mac Diarmada's exquisite
fiddling and the band's sensitive and spirited performances.
Their touring schedule increased dramatically, branching into
England, Italy, Austria, Canada and extended trips through the
United States, and in 2003 téada joined forces with Green
Linnet Records for world-wide distribution of their albums.
As Scotland's Edinburgh Evening News wrote in a glowing concert
review, "Something quite intangible seperates téada
from the rest. If there is a better new band on the Emerald
Isle, they must be very, very good." |
