Altan announces release date of new album inspired by Donegal

Altan has announced their new album which is inspired by their homeland, Donegal is due to be released on March 1. 

Altan 'Donegal' honours the folklore that inspired their sound. It was recorded in the Donegal mountains at the Attica Studios which added to the wonderful atmosphere that pervaded the album. Irish-language songs and dynamic twin-fiddling, both hallmarks of Altan’s sound, framework the new album which tributes to Altan's native county and its rich musical heritage, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture.

Taken as a whole, the music aims to transport listeners to a bygone time in rural Ireland while simultaneously forging a connection between the past and modern times.

Bandleader, lead vocalist and fiddler Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh lends her angelic voice to “Liostáil mé le Sáirsint” and “The Barley and the Rye” and contributing "Port Árainn Mhór/Port Kitty Rua Mooney", an outstanding set of jigs, to the project.

Altan’s newest member, Clare Friel, shares vocal duties with Ní Mhaonaigh, most notably on the track “Faoiseamh a Gheobhadsa” and adds her fiery twin fiddle playing to great effect.

Accordionist Martin Tourish brings his formidable chops and compositional sense to the medley "The House of Baoithín" which pays homage to the mid-6th century Saint Baoithín.

Guitarist Dáithí Sproule, Guitarist and harmony vocalist Mark Kelly and Ciarán Curran on bouzouki, and mandolin round out the band which is augmented by special guests Jim Higgins on percussion, Steve Cooney on bass and Graham Henderson on keyboards on select tracks.

The band delivers on their reputation among Ireland's most important cultural ambassadors with their new release ‘Donegal.’ Throughout their career, Altan has sold over a million records and in the coming weeks, the band will play several Irish gigs before heading on a US tour.

The band will play Concertina Cruinniú in Miltown Malbay, County Clare on February 10, Belfast Winter Tradfest on February 23, and The Gathering Traditional Irish Music Festival – Killarney, Ireland on March 1 to 3. Altan will be on tour throughout the US in March with dates beginning in California on March 8.