Renowned harper Laoise Kelly will probably be launching Coda’s new CD, ‘O’Carolan in Song’, in Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar, Westport, this Thursday, November 23, at 8pm.
Drawing on vocal expertise from Mayo, Coda contains of seven singers who began growing their very own method to vocal harmonies a number of years in the past. It is uncommon to discover a group of singers and musicians who mix sturdy backgrounds in Irish conventional, folks and modern music, with an a cappella singing potential and elegance developed from varied musical backgrounds.
Ten years have handed since Coda launched their first album, ‘Mouthmusic’, which was produced by Maurice Lennon. Since then, the group has carried out at house and overseas at quite a few venues and music festivals and on TV and radio.
The group launched their second album, ‘Train of Spirits’, in 2017. Produced by the legendary Dónal Lunny, the album comprises 12 tracks of authentic and modern folks and conventional songs, all beautifully organized by Coda.

Discovering the lyrics
Speaking forward of the launch, band member Conall Ó Domhnaill talked about how this newest album happened and its inspiration, legendary blind harper and composer Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738) from Co Meath.
“In the spring of 2021, Laoise Kelly, representing Féile Chruite Acla, approached us with an idea for a project,” he defined. “Many people are familiar with the wonderful tunes of O’Carolan, but until Laoise informed us, we were not aware that most of those famous tunes had lyrics! That was how O’Carolan earned his living – writing songs and tunes in praise of his benefactors.
“Laoise presented us with two copies of ‘The Complete Carolan Songs and Airs’, by Caitríona Rowsome, and asked if we would try out the songs within. The idea was to pick two or three of them and sing them online for the Achill Harp Festival, which would be a virtual event that year due to Covid restrictions.”

Valley House recording
Conall and the remainder of Coda spent the following few months trawling via the books and whittling down the songs till they ended up with the 9 songs that characteristic on this album.
“Trying to get a handle on the songs was difficult at the start, as we couldn’t meet up and so had to send recordings around via WhatsApp,” Conall mentioned. “Eventually, restrictions were eased and we were able to meet again as Coda. Freda Hatton – a wonderful harper living in Westport – came on board, and we all got cracking on the arrangements. Laoise also organised the legendary Steve Cooney to come and meet with us on two occasions and help refine our instrumental arrangements. What an experience!
“So, we practised all summer long and when it came to doing the recording it was very difficult to get a venue in Achill as ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ was being filmed at the time. Finally, we got a venue – The Valley House – which proved to be a lovely setting.
“We recorded the nine songs there, and this live performance was broadcast online as part of Féile Chruite Acla, in October 2021. We had spent so much time and effort and received such good feedback, that we decided to go ahead and make a CD of the concert.”
The launch will probably be a free, casual gathering in Matt Molloy’s Yard Bar. Doors will open at 8pm. For those that can’t make it, Coda and Freda Hatton will probably be performing a full live performance on February 23, 2024, in Westport Townhall Theatre.