LEONARD BARRY

Leonard Barry returns in 2024 with Littoral, a new album under his own name. L. Barry has often been described as one of Ireland's finest uilleann pipers. And his talent shines through on this new eleven-track opus, featuring no fewer than twenty-seven tunes. Originally from Tralee in County Kerry, he moved further north to Sligo several years ago. Nevertheless, he can't deny his origins, as his music is so influenced by the style of Sliabh Luachra, a region in the south-west that straddles the counties of Cork and Kerry.

To be honest, talking about a solo album is a little inaccurate, since no less than eight musicians took part in the recording of this little musical gem, Littoral: Andy Morrow (fiddle), Shane McGowan (guitar), Seamie O'Dowd, Michael Holmes and Brian McDonagh (bouzouki), Kevin Burke (fiddle), Michael McGoldrick (flute and bodhrán) and Alice Alen (cello).
Leonard, like many pipers of his generation, was strongly influenced by musicians such as Paddy Keenan and Liam O'Flynn. This influence is evident on The Pipe in the Hob, recorded in 1977 by the legendary Bothy Band.

From the very first track, The Munster Rake, the combination of A. Morrow's fiddle and S. McGowan's guitar with Leonard's uilleann pipe works perfectly. And this will be the case throughout this album, on which Kerry jigs and slides, hornpipes and mazurkas follow one another.
Various compositions can be found throughout the album. The Road to Monalea by flutist Colm O'Donnell or Rigney's by accordionist Joe Burke. More original are two tunes composed by Bretons: Comronalty by Michel Bonamy and La Valse de Pasteriaux by Jacky Molard. M. McGoldrick produced the album and plays his flute on several tracks. Another success for this exceptional piper.

Own Label - https://leonardbarrymusic.com/