Formed in 2001, Gráda is one of Ireland's most successful touring bands,
performing over 150 concerts across the globe annually at major festivals
and venues such as Dublin’s National Concert Hall, The National Geographic
Headquarters in Washington DC, The Royal Glasgow Concert Hall and the
Sydney Opera House.
Their sound is deeply rooted in the Irish tradition, but also layered with
jazzy tones and strong rhythmic grooves, blended with Americana, jazz and
a diverse range of influences that, in the words of the Irish Times, “come
together as if they were lifelong bedfellows.”
Gráda have released four critically acclaimed CDs to date, there most recent
being recorded in Nashville with bluegrass Grammy Award winning icon and
producer Tim O’Brien.
As 2011 commenced, Gráda had played in 26 different countries, including over
30 states in America. They are signed to American label, Compass Records.
performing over 150 concerts across the globe annually at major festivals
and venues such as Dublin’s National Concert Hall, The National Geographic
Headquarters in Washington DC, The Royal Glasgow Concert Hall and the
Sydney Opera House.
Their sound is deeply rooted in the Irish tradition, but also layered with
jazzy tones and strong rhythmic grooves, blended with Americana, jazz and
a diverse range of influences that, in the words of the Irish Times, “come
together as if they were lifelong bedfellows.”
Gráda have released four critically acclaimed CDs to date, there most recent
being recorded in Nashville with bluegrass Grammy Award winning icon and
producer Tim O’Brien.
As 2011 commenced, Gráda had played in 26 different countries, including over
30 states in America. They are signed to American label, Compass Records.
About the
Musicians
of Grada:
Nicola Joyce (vocals, bodhrán). “Joyce is a magnificent vocalist who sings
with sheer beauty and poignancy” (Earl Hitchener, The Wall St. Journal). She
hails from Galway, in the west of Ireland and learnt to sing from a young age in
the Irish tradition.
Gerry Paul (guitar, banjo, vocals). Gerry is well known in the Irish music
scene, having played and recorded with the likes of Gerry O’Connor, Sharon
Shannon and Alan Kelly. He is also well regarded in the bluegrass scene,
where he plays with bluegrass icon Tim O’Brien.
Andrew Laking (double bass, vocals, guitar). Born in New Zealand, Andrew
comes from a varied musical background, including jazz, Latin, folk and gypsy
styles. He is in big demand as a session musician, having recorded for Bill
Whelan, Fionn Regan and Gerry O’Connor.
David Doocey (fiddle, concertina, whistle). David is at the forefront of the
younger generation of Irish traditional musicians, having won several All
Ireland awards on concertina and fiddle.
Stephen Doherty (flute, whistle, melodeon, piano, bodhrán). Stephen is the
current All Ireland senior flute champion and award winning melodeon and
bodhrán player.
Alan Doherty (flute, cajon, whistles)
with sheer beauty and poignancy” (Earl Hitchener, The Wall St. Journal). She
hails from Galway, in the west of Ireland and learnt to sing from a young age in
the Irish tradition.
Gerry Paul (guitar, banjo, vocals). Gerry is well known in the Irish music
scene, having played and recorded with the likes of Gerry O’Connor, Sharon
Shannon and Alan Kelly. He is also well regarded in the bluegrass scene,
where he plays with bluegrass icon Tim O’Brien.
Andrew Laking (double bass, vocals, guitar). Born in New Zealand, Andrew
comes from a varied musical background, including jazz, Latin, folk and gypsy
styles. He is in big demand as a session musician, having recorded for Bill
Whelan, Fionn Regan and Gerry O’Connor.
David Doocey (fiddle, concertina, whistle). David is at the forefront of the
younger generation of Irish traditional musicians, having won several All
Ireland awards on concertina and fiddle.
Stephen Doherty (flute, whistle, melodeon, piano, bodhrán). Stephen is the
current All Ireland senior flute champion and award winning melodeon and
bodhrán player.
Alan Doherty (flute, cajon, whistles)
