Press
Fame at last - The Tir Conaill Tribune
A Kilmacrennan native is currently arranging a US and Canadian tour for a Shanghai-based musician who has recently released a new album.
Liam Cassidy from Rosemount is looking after the interests here of Dublin-born Paul Curran, who is promoting his new 18-track compilation entitled "The Cow Ate The Piper". Though still rooted in the Irish folk tradition, the album is much stronger than anything Paul has done before in that it embraces many other styles and influences from musicians he has played with over what is now his 30th year in the folk music.
It includes songs written by such diverse artists as Sting, Tommy Maken, John Prine/Steve Goodman, Matt McGinn, Towns Van Zandt, Loudon Wainwright III, Johnny Cash, Christy Moore and others! He is backed by wonderful musicians from all over the world: China, USA, Scotland, Australia, England and Ireland.
Liam Cassidy has had a lifelong interest in music and the family is well known on the entertainment circuit locally. Liam, who currently resides in Celbridge, Co. Kildare, spent a few years in Shanghai with his employer Gillette.
It was there he met Paul Curran, who runs The Blarney Stone Bar in the city. The music sessions in the bar are the stuff of legend, and Paul has become the authentic voice of folk music in that part of the world. He has been featured on Chinese and Hong Kong TV and Radio, and performs at folk music events all over Asia. He entertains at functions for visiting dignitaries from all over the world.
Paul left the security of the famous Coutts Bank in London to become a full-time musician in the early 80's. Based in Bath, he played folk clubs and festivals all over the UK and Ireland. He has been based in Shanghai for the past 8 years. His album "Shanghaied", recorded with Scottish born Alan Cowell, was recorded in 2008. Liam Cassidy was responsible for promoting the album in this part of the world. There is another link with Donegal as Paul's sister Marian is married to Dr. Kevin Quinn who live on Arranmore Island. She is the national teacher there.
"I am presently arranging a tour to Canada and the USA next summer. Paul has received invitations to play in Toronto, Vancouver and Newfoundland. He will also appear in New York, Boston, Chicago and Iowa City. He has invited my brother Vincent, who is a fine singer, guitarist and banjo-player to support him on the tour. He hopes to visit Arranmore in the New Year and once confirmed we will be arranging some gigs.
Paul has recently featured on Radio 1's Ceili House which was recorded live from Shanghai. This year he has also entertained President MacAleese, An Taoiseach Brian Cowen when they visited Shanghai. A Hong Kong TV channel filmed him live in his bar, The Blarney Stone earlier this year in a 45 minute program." Liam said
Paul also featured a few weeks ago on Packie Keeney's Highland Radio Monday evening slot, having his album reviewed and being interviewed live from Shanghai. His album can be purchased through Claddagh Records.
* If you have sharp eyes you will see the photograph is captioned Liam Cassidy, when it is of course Paul Curran.
