The Paul McKenna Band - Stem The Tide

(March 2011) 13 tracks: John Riley * Banks Of Newfoundland * Smiling Tears * Lionel's Farewell * Darcy And Erin's * The Mermaid * Terror Time * Guntmar's Stolen Gummistiefel * The Whaler's Song * The Bogend Hairst * Lambs And The Green Hills * Silent Majority * Dreams Of Darien.

Traditional music as well as original songs and tunes from this dynamic young 5-piece led by singer Paul McKenna.

The Paul McKenna Band have been playing to audiences throughout the UK and beyond since 2006. With a contemporary approach to songs, although not straying too far from their roots, their arrangements are both fresh and innovative.

Their exciting sound is created through outstanding vocals, driving guitar and bouzouki, intense fiddle playing, a warm pairing of flute and whistles, and dynamic bodhrán and percussion. Their first album (self-titled) won them Best Up And Coming Artist Of The Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards in 2009, and received critical acclaim.

Paul McKenna with David McNee, Ruaridh MacMillan, Sean Gray and Ewan Baird.

"The best band of their generation..." (The Living Tradition)

"A band with the potential to dominate the Scottish/Irish traditional scene for the next twenty years and be spoken about in the same breath as Boys Of The Lough..." (Fatea Magazine)

"Great songs, great muscianship and, best of all, great enthusiasm. This outfit really enjoy their music and it shows. Audiences give an ecstatic response wherever they play..." (Edinburgh Folk Club)