‘Sumptuous folk songs’ * * * * Folk Album of the Month The Guardian
RTE Radio1 Album of the Week
‘dazzling..’ MOJO
‘It doesn’t get much better’ KLOFmag.com

Following the hand of fate which guided them from a remote village in the Austrian Alps to a tiny island in Greece, long time musical collaborators Irish traditional singer and musician Nuala Kennedy and Dubliner / New Yorker singer songwriter Eamon O’ Leary have created an atmospheric new album of songs entitled ‘Hydra’.

Hydra is an island where cars are prohibited and the main mode of transport is by donkey or by foot. Recorded in ‘The Old Carpet Factory’ an eighteenth century mansion whose large open windows overlook the port, the album is vibrates with the unhurried bohemian charm and luscious simplicity that made this place so attractive to past luminaries such as Henry Miller, Patrick Leigh Fermor, Lawrence Durrell, Leonard Cohen and his love Marianne Ihlen…

The 2023 album from award-winning traditional artist Nuala Kennedy – a beautiful and engaging meditation on a solitary struggle through love, life and woman’s ultimate triumph over adversity. It draws from the traditional song canon with an eye to the dynamism and resilience of central female characters.

Featuring Clare maestro Tara Breen on fiddle and Dublin guitarist of note Tony Byrne, Shorelines also includes performances from some of Ireland and America’s most beloved performers in singers Muireann NicAmhlaoibh and Moira Smiley, pianist Caoimhin Vallely and Grammy winning bassist Todd Sickafoose.

Songlines 5 Stars *****

“highlighting the very best collaboration of Irish, Scots and US traditions – Shorelines is a beautifully recorded, arranged and touching listen, from one of the finest stewards of traditional Irish song”

The rich musical tradition of Oriel (north Louth, south Armagh and east Monaghan) may not have garnered the attention of other regional styles, but on Oirialla it shines with a finesse that befits its long bardic heritage. The album features a newly minted foursome in fiddler Gerry O’Connor; his former Lá Lugh compadre, Breton guitarist Gilles le Bigot; flute player and singer Nuala Kennedy; and accordion player Martin Quinn. Oirialla quietly celebrates the bare-naked delicacy of its Scots-influenced repertoire, richly interwoven with more contemporary tunes and songs. Kennedy’s voice is an unfettered, lilting delight, and their inventive interpretation of Chicago fiddler Liz Carroll’s Mrs Carroll’s Strathspey revels in the boundless energy that courses through their tune book. A fine-boned, tantalising collection that unfurls itself at a delightfully leisurely pace.

The Irish Times 2012

“Day is Come” is a very polished, well-crafted, and extremely enjoyable album. Doyle, Kennedy, and O’Leary are all in terrific form and their playing is top notch throughout, giving life to interesting arrangements, and intriguing selections. This is an album that will stand up to multiple listenings – fans of each of these musicians will want to hear this one, but so will anyone who loves great Irish music. Pick this one up! The IRISH ECHO 2022

Hibernian Indie Folktronica Anyone? ****Songlines

Third album from Nuala Kennedy, released on Compass Records 2012. Featuring a great live band: Donald Hay (percussion) Mike Bryan (guitar) Iain Macleod (mandolin) and guest vocalist A. J. Roach (USA).

“She is not only an exceptional interpreter of the tradition; her own tunes glisten with freshness.” The Irish Times ****

Debut solo recording by Nuala Kennedy, The New Shoes was released on Compass Records in 2007 to critical acclaim. Featuring stellar musicians Clare Mann (flute/fiddle), Julian Sutton (accordion), Marc Clement (guitar) Mhairi Hall (piano) Mario Caribe (bass) Donald Hay (percussion).

“This is an exquisite album. Inspired song selection and thoughtful arrangements reveal the strong chemistry these top musicians share.”
—The Irish Echo

“Energy and imagination fuel this exceptionally rich fourth solo album from the singer and flute player. Long life guaranteed.”
—The Irish Times