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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCLANNADIrish folk group, at first singing only in Gaelic, names spelled in Gaelic on LP sleeves: Marie Brennan (b 4 Aug. '52, Dublin) on harp and vocals, with her brothers and uncles Paul Brennan, flute, guitar, keyboards; Ciaran Brennan, bass, synth; Pat Duggan, mandola, guitar; Noel Duggan, guitar and vocals. Won praise from folkies both sides of Irish Sea for trad. approach; LPs Clannad '73, Clannad II '74, Dulamen '76, Crannull, Fuain, Volume 2 issued on Irish labels; Clannad In Concert '79 brought wider appeal. Sister Enya joined '80, left after two albums and had her own sensational solo debut '88. Crannull reissued on Philips '82 along with The Pretty Maid; followed by Magical Ring on RCA '83, incl. wordless single 'Theme From Harry's Game', written for UK TV series, became chart hit (no. 5 UK '82); also English-language songs such as 'See Red', 'New Grange' (no. 65 '83). Surprise choice to record theme for hit UK series Robin Of Sherwood: 'Robin (The Hooded Man)' no. 42 '84; related LP Legend remained in UK album chart nearly a year; BAFTA award '85 for best TV music: won larger audience through TV while retaining early fans. Album Macalla '85 incl. a vocal by U2's Bono; Sirius '87 was prod. by Greg Ladanyi and Russ Kunkel. They never really claimed to be traditionalists, starting out with Gaelic for its musical qualities (not a bad idea); by now they sounded like a windswept Fleetwood Mac. Self-produced Atlantic Realm was on BBC Records; compilations incl. Pastpresent on RCA. Paul left; Anam '90 was prod. by Ciaran; Marie (Maire Ni Bhraonain) released solo Maire '92. Banba '93 was another hit. CDs in USA on Tara, Shanachie, Atlantic. |