PRESS RELEASE

Culann’s Hounds Release Year of the Dog
Collaborations with Popper, McNamara, McKeown highlight group’s second CD

A headlining performance at the Great American Music Hall on St. Patrick’s Day marked the launch of the Culann Hounds’ new release, Year of the Dog.

Steve Gardner (fiddle, guitar, mandolin and vocals), Mike Kelleher (guitar, vocals), Renee de la Prade (button accordion, vocals), and Scott Marshall (bodhran, vocals) bring eclectic musical influences to a CD that reflects their energetic take on traditional Irish music.

The range of styles is breathtaking: a haunting pipe intro on “Dirty Old Town,” from collaborator and Hounds alum Conall O’Raghallaigh gives way to guest bassist Ben Bernstein backing Kelleher and Gardner on “Rainy Day.” Even the classic “Tennessee Waltz” takes on a new feel when nurtured by these talented musicians.

Through it all, there is an underlying, controlled energy—a hallmark of the group’s live performances. Gardner ties it back to the inspiration for the group’s name. Cuchullainn, or Culann, was an epic warrior in Irish legend. “We embody a certain brash, perhaps over enthusiastic quality that might be attributed to Cuchullainn, he says. “I like the connection because deep inside me, I still love the hero tales and the faerie stories. I believe they are hidden wellsprings of cultural wisdom. We try to reframe these ideas in ancient tribal urban folk rock.”

While every member of Culann’s Hounds had some exposure to the Irish music tradition during their formal and informal musical training, their non-Irish musical influences explain why they are so comfortable melding their style with other genres: Ian Astbury of the Cult; Andrew Bird of Squirrel Nut Zipper; Led Zepplin; Talking Heads; Shawn Colvin; and Joni Mitchell are a few examples.

Three musical virtuosos sat in with the group while it was recording the album, lending their talent and expertise to the recording. John Popper of Blues Traveler, button accordion master Andrew McNamara, and Irish singer Susan McKeown make their presence felt both on the recording and by way of their advice to the Hounds. “I think playing with John, Susan and Andrew inspired something in us,” says Kelleher. “Those three have a musical excellence about them that we really appreciate. They all said little things that all turned out to be important later. I’m glad we listened!”

Culann’s Hounds CD is available for purchase at www.cdbaby.com. The group’s website is at www.sfhounds.com.