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New Project from Uilleann Piper, John McSherry

November 29, 2012

Belfast-born uilleann piper John McSherry and Detroit natives Tyler Duncan (uilleann pipes, whistles, guitar, Rhodes) and Michael Shimmin (drums and percussion) have been dreaming of “.the olllam.” for the last decade. With a name inspired by the king’s own ollam bards of Irish lore, the trio wanted an ensemble that naturally represented their combined experiences in a multiplicity of styles. McSherry, one of the best uilleann pipers in the world and a founding member of legendary Irish group Lúnasa, has been dubbed “a true master” by Irish Music Magazine and has performed and written with a wide variety of artists, from Ornette Coleman to Nanci Griffith. Duncan and Shimmin, both holding degrees in jazz performance, have also been busy with their award-winning Irish-jazz crossover group Millish, Duncan doing double-duty in the dance-rock group My Dear Disco/Ella Riot.

In February 2012 the trio finally wrote and recorded an original album together, overcoming the Atlantic divide by means of the internet. The result, their eponymous debut .the olllam., released Sept. 25 on Compass Records, is lush with trance-like melodies, stunning instrumental virtuosity and a magical marriage of tradition and technology, finding the listener somewhere between Radiohead and Planxty with the ambient emotionalism of Nick Drake or Explosions in the Sky. McSherry, Duncan and Shimmin have discovered a synergy within their diverse musical backgrounds – introducing a new Irish crossover group rife with creative brilliance and progressive appeal.

Visit www.theolllam.com for more info news, music, videos, and the touring schedule!

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