From France, the US and Ireland these three old friends first met at NYC's legendary Irish session at Mona's on the Lower East Side. All share deep roots in the traditional tunes and songs of Ireland with a particular focus on the repertoire of Clare and East Galway. Having travelled and toured widely with many of the greats in Irish music they are delighted to be reunited for a special night of jigs, reels, songs and stories.
Patrick Ourceau is an accomplished traditional Irish fiddle player. Born in France and based for many years in New York City, Patrick now lives in Toronto, Canada. A full-time musician for over three decades, Patrick has toured and performed throughout Europe and North America in various duets, trios and bands, notably with concertina player Gearóid Ó’hAllmhuráin and the trio Chulrua. Patrick is a highly respected and dedicated fiddle teacher. He was, For over 25 years, a faculty member at the Catskills Irish Arts Week in East Durham, New York, and has regularly taught at numerous other festivals, summer camps, and Irish music schools in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and Ireland. Since settling in Toronto in 2005, Patrick has played a pivotal role in promoting traditional Irish music in the city. He has co-hosted and runs several regular sessions, most notably the Sunday afternoon session at Noonan’s Pub on Danforth Avenue, which has become a celebrated cornerstone of the Irish music community in Toronto. His discography includes Tracin’ with Gearóid Ó’hAllmhuráin, Live at Mona's with guitarist Eamon O’Leary, and The Singing Kettle with Chulrua. Patrick has also contributed to albums by other prominent figures in Irish music, including Long Expectant Comes at Last with flute player and singer Cathal McConnell, Celtic Roots with accordion player John Whelan, and he’s featured on the Geantraí CD/DVD release by TG4, a compilation celebrating the first decade of the popular Irish traditional music television show.
Eamon O'Leary, from Dublin, is a long time resident of New York City. A singer and string player, with deep roots in the world of Irish trad, he is one half of The Murphy Beds with Jefferson Hamer. Their debut album was described by The Hufffington Post as one that “bears repeated listening from start to finish, with ten beautiful, crystalline songs.” He is also a member of The Alt with Nuala Kennedy and John Doyle. His songwriting can be heard, most recently, on The Silver Sun from Reveal Records.
Brian Holleran grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey in an Irish family. His interest in Traditional Irish Music was first piqued at the age of twelve after listening to the session recording, Music at Matt Molloy's and later with his father's trad vinyl collection. His mother found him initial tin whistle lessons with Maura Vesey and finally flute lessons with Mike Rafferty of Ballinakill, East County Galway. Mike taught Brian the bulk of his music and would become Brian's biggest influence and source of encouragement. In addition to many tunes, Mike also taught Brian about the many musicians who came out of East Galway and the distinctive traits of that regional style. Brian was also influenced by Willie Kelly and Patrick Ourceau, two of the greatest exponents of Traditional Irish Fiddle Playing in the United States. They shared a love and common respect for the music Mike played as well as the music of Jack Coen who would also later influence Brian's playing. In addition to these four men, Brian has also found inspiration in recordings of Joe Cooley, Bobby Casey, and Matt Molloy. He has taught at the Chris Langan weekend in Toronto and at Irish Week at the Augusta Heritage Center in Elkins, West Virginia.
Here is a lovely video of two of the three members! Don't miss this night of music... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=840HV9ifkHo