Damien Mullane and the Laads

Damien Mullane and The Laads in concert - The Isis Farmhouse, Oxford

In a short space of time Damien Mullane has a musical CV that any veteran musician would be proud of. He has been described as a virtuoso with an avant-garde style of playing. Damien won numerous All-Ireland titles on both accordion and melodeon and began his professional career as the accordionist in the legendary Frankie Gavin’s band De Dannan.

Damien has toured extensively, performing as far afield as China, Australia, New Zealand, India and the U.S in some of the world’s most prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Slane Castle, The Electric Picnic, Radio City Music Hall, 3Arena and Glastonbury. He has performed for numerous high profile figures including US President Barack Obama and President Bill Clinton, Prince Albert of Monaco, former Irish president Mary Robinson and current Irish President, Michael D Higgins. Damien has also collaborated musically with the likes of Ronnie Wood (Rolling Stones), James Taylor, Bob Geldof, Sting (Police), Bill Whelan (Riverdance), to mention a few.

13 years after the release of his debut solo album 13, Damien’s 2nd album Evoke has already received much critical acclaim since its recent release.

Appearing in concert this evening:

Damien Mullane (accordion/ melodeon), Seán O'Meara (guitar/ vocals), Conor Broderick (keys), Ben Wanders (percussion)

Reviews

‘It is discretely rumoured among musicians when discussing the merits of box players that the best of them must have sold their souls to Beelzebub himself in order for them to learn and indeed master such an arcane and devilishly difficult instrument I know this because i tried it (without the aid of Supernatural agency)… and failed! Now I can’t state with any certainty, whether Damien here struck some kind of deal with the feller downstairs, but judging by this fiendishly clever album, I would say that it’s more than likely. Enjoy!…No harm will come to ye.’ Sting (The Police) 

‘An album of exceptional musicianship and extraordinary vision, it’s certainly rooted in traditional music, but you wouldn’t accuse it of staying there because in the final tally the music is fashioned in the most modern and sophisticated of ways.  This is a fabulous album with a very contemporary feel that should be on the radar of anyone interested in Irish music in general.’ Irish Echo (US) 

**The venue is right on the river with no direct vehicular access so if you are driving, the closest place to park is around Church Way OX4 4EG.  You need to walk along Mill Lane, and cross Iffley Lock.  Turn right and you will see a white building ahead on the left.