Album: The Love Token

MacDara O Conoala comes from Inish Oirr, the smallest Arran Island. He has spent most of his life living on the island which is steeped in Gaelic tradition. He is now based in Galway where he finds it easier to communicate with the rest of the world.

In a recent interview he mentioned that in the time it takes to send an email from Inish Oirr you could compose a symphony. So I can completely understand why he has relocated, having said that he is very in touch with his roots, as this album proves and he still makes regular visits to Inish Oirr.

His new album “The Love Token” is one of the most beautifully crafted albums I have heard in long time. Although it is rooted in the Sean Nos tradition it is brimming with originality and is as fresh as the breeze that blows over Arran. You won’t tire of listening as MacDara has a great creative talent that he uses in a diverse range of styles to keep the album alive and entertaining.

The talent within the MacDara family is by no means lacking. His father, Dara O Conoala is a writer, and his mother is from a family of sculptors. His sister, Lasairfhiona Ni Chonaola released her debut album An Raicin Alainn in 2002 which received great reviews from critics. Like MacDara her album was also deeply rooted in the Gaelic traditions of her native Arran. Added to this, her second album, Flame of Wine, a literal translation of her name, has given her a worthy reputation as a great singer. MacDara guested on one of the songs on his sister’s first album and played Bodhran on her second album. Having tested the waters he was persuaded to put his ideas into practice and it’s good thing he did as this album will prove.