SHANE MEEHAN
'twill do !
Philippe Cousin
Born in Carrick-on-Shannon in Leitrim and introduced to music at the age of 8 by his grandfather John, Shane Meehan then learned a lot from local musicians such as Damian O'Brien and Padraig McGovern.
Still a teenager in 2009, he participated in the Leitrim Equation project that welcomed Lúnasa in residence and two of his compositions were even selected to appear on the album. Since then, Shane has made his way, influenced over the years by major musicians such as Michael Coleman, Paddy Killoran and James Morrison, all marked by Sligo's style. But it was the death of his grandfather that convinced him to start recording 'twill do! Which he dedicates to his grandfather.
Among his mentors are the fiddlers Ben Lennon and Bríd Harper, who each wrote some words of encouragement on this superb opus. An album that includes no less than twenty original compositions alongside more well-known songs - Old Apples in Winter, The Star of Munster or Farewell to Old Erin. And although some very beautiful tunes remind the listener of the brilliance of his masters, Shane manages to look only like himself.
His compositions are all very beautiful, his phrasing, variations, sense of rhythm and timbre are truly exceptional. Each track on the album shows a unique style that exudes freshness and elegance. Two friends have joined Shane for a rich and light accompaniment. Kevin Brehony on piano and Macdara Ó Faoláin on bouzouki.
And if I add that all the portraits illustrating the jacket and the booklet are by Shane's hand, there is no doubt that you have here a complete artist.
Autoproduit SPM1001 - shanepmeehan@gmail.com