Pomes Penyeach, a beloved literary work, reimagined through music.
‘A celebration of words and poetic beauty’ – Adrian Crowley
New Single ‘Alone’ – Out Now
Claddagh Records is delighted to release ‘Pomes Penyeach‘, a beloved literary work reimagined through music, out today. This incredible release brings the iconic poems of James Joyce to life through a unique collaboration between musicians Adrian Crowley and Matthew Nolan. The album’s opening track, “Alone” sets the tone for a hauntingly beautiful listening experience and showcases the musician’s delicate artistry.
First published in 1927 by Shakespeare and Company in Paris, Pomes Penyeach is a timeless collection of thirteen poems that has captivated readers for generations with its signature blend of humour, wit, and profound insight into the human experience.
In 2019, a serendipitous phone call between musicians Crowley and Nolan sparked a creative collaboration that would bring James Joyce’s iconic poems to life. Nolan confided that since his school days, he had dreamed of hearing Joyce’s words brought to life through song, and this spark of inspiration would ultimately give birth to their collaborative masterpiece.
Diving right in, Crowley immersed himself in the project, emerging with raw, demo recordings that served as the foundation for the album. He joined forces with Nolan in a Dublin rehearsal room, where they collaboratively shaped and refined the songs.
Crowley and Nolan then called upon the luminous and effervescent talents of vocalist Lisa Hannigan, Cora Venus Lunny (viola), Seán Mac Erlaine (bass clarinet, electronics, horn, flute & percussion) and Kevin Murphy (cello) to bring Pomes Penyeach to life.
The original iteration of this project was to be a stand-alone live performance as commissioned by Saint Patrick’s Festival in March 2020. However, a year later, with John ‘Spud’ Murphy (Lankum, ØXN) behind the recording controls, the group reassembled in The Museum Of Literature Ireland (MoLI) and the album was recorded over the course of two days.
The result of Crowley and Nolan’s collaboration is a hauntingly beautiful album that reimagines Joyce’s beloved classic. With its unique sonic landscape, Pomes Penyeach is a testament to the enduring power of Joyce’s poetry and the creative chemistry between two visionary musicians
With much thought given to the sequence of the tracks, the songs dictate the overall narrative arc, giving the listener bridging compositions that are not only thrillingly evocative, but almost visual in their qualities.
A celebration of words and poetic beauty. Never light but always luminous. Innovative, brave and challenging but also tender, hopeful and life-affirming. And new. This is New Music.
Pomes Penyeach – Words By James Joyce, Music By Adrian Crowley & Matthew Nolan
Out Now!