Boys of the Lough | Artist

The Boys of the Lough are a Scottish-Irish Celtic music band formed 1972 in Edinburgh by Aly Bain (fiddle), Cathal McConnell (flute), Dick Gaughan (vocals, guitar) and Robin Morton (bodhran, vocals). The individual artists had been playing since the late 1960s at the Forrest Hill Bar in Edinburgh, which was a centre for folk singers and instrumentalists. The band's music is steeped in authentic celtic folk roots of Scotland and Ireland. Glasgow born Dick Gaughan has since gone on to become on of Scotland's greatest folk musicians, while fellow Scot, Aly Bain, was from the Shetland Islands, and steeped in the Shetland style of playing. Cathal McConnell was an All-Ireland champion in both flute and whistle and his countryman Robin Morton was an accomplished Irish folk artist who in later life set up influential folk music label Temple Records. The band's debut self-titled album was released in late 1972 and the following year Gaughan left to pursue a solo career. He was replaced by Northumberland musician Dave Richardson (concertina, mandolin, cittern), who became a core member of the group. The band split after their 1978/79 tour, but regrouped a year later without Robin Morton but with the addition of new members John Coakley (fiddle), Christy O'Leary (uilleann pipes), and Tich Richardson (guitar, bass). The band would eventuallyt go on to release 21 studio albums, comprising ensemble instrumentals and the occasional song, equally divided between traditional sources from Ireland and Scotland. Standout albums include Second Album, Good Friends - Good Music, Wish You Were Here, Regrouped, To Welcome Paddy Home, and The West of Ireland. The pub in Edinburgh where the band first met is still operating and is now called "Sandy Bell's."

Artist Website: boysofthelough.info

Featured Albums: Boys of the Lough

Related Artists: Dick Gaughan, Cathal McConnell, Aly Bain