JOHN HOBAN BOOK LAUNCH

 "Meeting Johnny Hoban is always like a good fleadh Cheoil for me. I look forward to lingering with him upon ‘the plain of the yew tree’. He is a pillar in my life. Nelson would only be in the ha’penny place. Take me home to Mayo Johnny Hoban…”  Christy Moore
 
This is the story of County Mayo singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and teacher John Hoban. From the Plain of the Yew Tree takes the reader on a journey through music and time across the five continents. The author invites us to join him on his rambles through Ireland, London, Australia, America and many other places, meeting, listening to, and playing with every kind of ‘musicianer’. Poets, artists, writers, mystics and people from every walk of life are traveling on this mystery train with John Hoban as he unravels his life memories and explores his deep relationship of trust and belief in music. Music has been his guide and his constant companion through good times, bad times and other times. Music has been survival itself for John. This tale presents us with the tapestry of a life lived through music, providing us with a rare insight into the life of a modern-day Troubadour. This is a unique tale told in an unmistakably West of Ireland voice. A story told with humour, sensitivity and devotion.

"John interprets the events happening around him and puts them in an emotional or sensitive context that has given him a wide body of very personal material.  The well travelled troubadour has hit five continents at least and found something to write about in each but the Irish connections stand out…..you can witness his homage to a life on the road and the people and places that inhabit his songs.  You soon realize that very little is wasted or unobserved.  He lives in the music that he creates in his inimitable style that is hard to categorize beyond the realm of folk music." Paul Keating, The Irish Voice.
 
*John will also be launching his new CD called "Episodes" on the night.

 

ABOUT JOHN:
 

Castlebar, Ireland native, John Hoban – musician, singer, songwriter, author – has played and taught music all his life in the Troubadour tradition.  He is highly regarded nationally and internationally for the unique and deeply personal nature of his music. The ultimate multi-instrumentalist, John plays fiddle, melodeon, guitar, banjo, percussion, mandolin, mandocello, harmonica etc in addition to being a singer and composer of wonderful songs and music. 

 

His songs combine very personal and original lyrics/music with various influences rooted in local and worldwide traditions.  It has been said that he could make music from a sheaf of oats.  Behind the talent and enthusiasm of John's music, is a caring, wise artist.  John Hoban's music brings us back to the source. He searched out music from old masters, showing deep respect for the social contexts in which music was played for generations.  His songs and music bridges the worlds of improvisation, experimentation and tradition.