Gráda
| Company type | Music ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Dublin and Galway , Ireland |
Area served | International |
Key people | Andrew Laking, Nicola Joyce, Gerry Paul, Alan Doherty, Tola Custy |
| Products | Music albums and live performances |
| Website | gradamusic |
Gráda is an established Irish music ensemble formed in 2001, comprising musicians from Ireland and New Zealand. Operating out of Dublin and Galway, Ireland, the group has performed extensively on international stages. After disbanding in 2011 to focus on solo endeavors, Gráda reunited in 2020 for a concert in New Zealand, featuring Tola Custy as a guest. In October 2023, they embarked on a nine-show tour across New Zealand, followed by performances in Ireland.
Musical career
The band’s wide-ranging musical inspirations have facilitated collaborations with artists such as Dave Hingerty (known for work with Kíla, The Frames, and The Swell Season), cellist Vyviene Long (associated with Damien Rice), and producer Trevor Hutchinson (renowned for contributions to Lúnasa, Sharon Shannon, and The Waterboys). Other notable collaborators include Dublin-based trumpeter Bill Blackmore and percussionist Rasmus Skovmand.
In 2008, multi-instrumentalist David Doocey replaced Colin Farrell following his departure from the group. Stephen Doherty (unrelated to Alan Doherty) took over from Alan Doherty in 2009, before Alan rejoined the lineup in 2011.
Charts and critical reception
The album Natural Angle was recognized as one of the top folk releases of 2010 in the United States by NPR / Folk Alley and the IMA music awards. Their earlier album, Cloudy Day Navigation, repeatedly appeared within the Top 10 charts of Irish Music. Gráda has received favorable critiques from respected industry outlets including Irish Music, Sing Out!, The Irish Times, The Evening Herald, and The Event Guide.
Band members
- Andrew Laking – (double bass, vocals)
- Nicola Joyce – (vocals, bodhrán)
- Gerry Paul – (acoustic and electric guitars, bouzouki, vocals)
- Alan Doherty – (flutes, whistle, vocals)
- Tola Custy – (fiddle, vocals)
Former members
- Anne Marie O'Malley – vocals and bodhrán (2001–2006)
- Brendan O'Sullivan – fiddle, viola, and vocals (2001–2005)
- Colin Farrell – (fiddle, vocals) (2006–2008)
- David Doocey – (fiddle, concertina, and whistles) (2008–2011)
- Stephen Doherty – (flute) (2009–2011)
Discography
- Off to Sardinia – 2001 (no longer available)
- Endeavour – 2002
- The Landing Step – 2004
- Cloudy Day Navigation – 2007
- Natural Angle – 2010 (Compass)
External links
- gradamusic.com – official website
- Gráda's MySpace – official page