TULUA
No Coming No Going
Philippe Cousin
The county of Wexford, in south-east Ireland, is less well known than Donegal or Clare when it comes to traditional music. However, this is far from being non-existent and there are many traditional music groups in this region, from Danú to Caladh Nua.
Hailing from Carrig on Bannow, Tulua is a four-piece band consisting of sisters Caoimhe (harp, keyboards and concertina) and Kayleigh Moran (fiddle and vocals), Cian O'Grady (guitar and bouzouki) and Diarmuid Murphy (flute, low whistle, banjo and mandolin). Formed in 2020, the band released an EP and then waited several years before producing their first album, No Coming No Going, performing both in Ireland and the USA on tours during which they built up a solid reputation.
The album opens with Opening Set, which immediately demonstrates their instrumental mastery and undeniable talent, with rich and precise arrangements that highlight all the musical nuances of the different tracks. This is followed by Molly na gCuach Ní Chuilleanáin, a song popularised a few years ago by Eithne Ní Uallacháin of the band Lá Lugh and Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh of the band Danú.
Kayleigh has a very pleasant and expressive voice, which she showcases on the album's four songs. We recognise Casadh an tSúgáin, a traditional song, as well as Passage West, written by Cork singer John Spillane. Caoimhe's keyboards delicately accompany Rambling Boys of Pleasure, a song originating from County Tyrone in Ulster. Diarmuid and Cian are not to be outdone, however, as evidenced by the flute solos and guitar chords.
For this first album, the musicians of Tulua benefited from the help of Benny McCarthy (Danú), as it was recorded in his studio. A superb album that quickly calls for a second.
Autoproduit - www.tuluamusic.com