The Long Notes

New album “IN THE SHADOW OF STROMBOLI” (Hobgoblin HOBCD1014)

With a distinctive folk, roots and celtic music sound, The Long Notes’ ensemble synergy magically surpasses the sum of its parts, with captivating arrangements of Irish, Scottish, French-Canadian, Galician, Quebecois and old-time tunes.  In addition, The Long Notes have honed their writing skills producing some stunning original compositions for their new album.  The tension-building title track ‘In the Shadow of Stromboli’, written by Colette O’Leary, was inspired by a festival the band played in Calabria and a trip to the Aeolian Islands in southern Italy.  Across the Tyrrhenian Sea, in the far distant mist, hangs the volcanic plume of the ever-burning Stromboli.  Continuing this fiery theme, other brilliantly intense tracks include Jamie Smith’s ‘Bogbeat’ and ‘Viva Galicia’, as well as Brian Kelly’s trademark banjo pyrotechnics on ‘Plain of Jars’.  Alex Percy’s sensitively sung “Solace and Joy” and guest singer Adam Holmes’ beautiful interpretation of the Scottish folk song ‘Come by the Hills’ add two vocal tracks to produce an album of outstanding calibre and supreme listenability.

Over the past seven years, The Long Notes have have forged an excellent reputation with sell-out concerts at many London venues including Kings Place, The Roundhouse and The Underworld. They have also performed at numerous festivals including: Celtic Connections, Glastonbury, HebCelt, Shetland, Wickham, Wimborne, Towersey, City of London, Wychwood, Ealing Global, Edale, Devizes and Blas! (Scotland).  There have been tours of Italy, Austria and Germany as well as appearances on BBC Alba and BBC Radio 2 and 3.

The Long Notes uniquely represent Ireland, England and Scotland – not only in their music, but also in their heritage.  The line-up includes Scottish fiddler Jamie Smith (Beneche, SBO Band), Irish-born accordionist Colette O’Leary (Bumblebees), London-Irish banjo/mandolin virtuoso Brian Kelly (Shane McGowan and The Popes) and Sheffield-based guitarist and singer Alex Percy (Beltane).  They all met through the session scene in Camden Town, one of the great epicentres of live music in London.

“In The Shadow of Stromboli”  is available through Hobgoblin Records and Proper Distribution. The album is augmented by wonderful guest musicians Angus Lyon (piano), Martin O’Neill (bodhran), Duncan Lyall (bass) and Ali Hutton (guitar) who also produced the album.