Beoga (Irish word for ‘lively’) are a five-piece band based in County Antrim in the North of Ireland. Formed in 2002, they have become one of the most popular and influential ensembles in modern Irish music. Their unique sound features the twin duelling accordians of Seán Óg Graham and Damian McKee, four times All-Ireland bodhrán champion Eamon Murray and pianist Liam Bradley. In 2005, the line-up was complete with the addition of one of Ireland’s premier young talents, singer/fiddler Niamh Dunne.
The bedrock of Beoga’s sound lies firmly within the Irish tradition. However, they are not afraid to incorporate other genres’ nuances into their music. From bluesy riffs to Astor Piazzola-style jazz, to a raunchy New Orleans jamboree vibe, their music always returns to a wonderfully bouncy traditional sound. The result is traditional, with a huge sense of fun and adventure and it all works - wonderfully well. Irish Music Magazine writes “Madcap genius, master craftsmen”. The Irish Times concludes, “Individually talented and collectively inspired, Beoga speak a language called music with a fluency beloved of the best multi-linguists.”
The group’s first two albums, ‘A Lovely Madness’ (2005) and ‘Mischief’ (2007), were met with universal critical acclaim. Containing a repertoire of fresh self-penned tunes and inventive arrangements, they received a phenomenal 9.5/10 from Ireland‘s Hot Press, and numerous honours from the music media, notably the German Music Awards, Boston Globe’s ‘Best of 2007’, New York’s Irish Echo and the Live Ireland Music Awards.
Beoga’s latest album ‘The Incident’ (2009) continues to blaze a pioneering trail, earning a fresh string of superlatives; The Irish Echo describes “a heady, virtually head-spinning sonic blend, perhaps the most audacious Irish band rooted in trad today.” The Irish American News lauds the “energy, intelligent creativity, wit and real musicianship” declaring, “this is the freshest take on the tradition,” and the Wall Street Journal, describe Beoga as ‘the most exciting band to emerge from Ireland this century’. Irish Music Magazine concludes, “Beoga are at the forefront of the Irish new wave,” In October 2009 ‘The Incident’ was selected for inclusion in the official 2010 GRAMMY nomination ballot for Best Contemporary World Music album.
Beoga’s are delighting audiences at major festivals throughout Europe and the USA with their award winning live show. Highlights have included the Milwaukee Irish fest, the BBC’s Last Night at the Proms concert, Denmark’s Tonder festival, Cambridge Folk festival and Glasgow’s Celtic Connections. With their unique blend of inventive arrangements, virtuosi instrumental talents and beautiful vocals, Beoga’s popularity continues to flourish as they captivate audiences on a global scale.
