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   KINFOLK - The History

 
Kinfolk are Brian McDaid & Gerry Power

 

Brian and Gerry met in the south of England in the early 2000's. Both had been playing in various bands and musical collaborations over many years. It was not long before they realised that they had much in common.

 

Their backgrounds are strikingly similar. Brian was born in Glasgow, Scotland. His parents are from Donegal and Fermanagh in Ireland. Although born 500 miles away in London, Gerry is also of Irish descent, with parents from Cork. Their musical heritage is also similar, both influenced by traditional and contemporary folk music from Ireland, Scotland and England. Without doubt, constant exposure to these influences played an important part in their musical development.

 

Their first musical experiences also followed a familiar pattern. Acoustic guitar folk clubs were a common feature. As they developed into their late teens other more contemporary influences became evident. James Taylor, The Eagles, Crosby, Stills and Nash were of particular significance and their influence can be heard in the close vocal harmony style of Kinfolk.

 

Typical of many young people their musical experience and experimentation developed over the years. These included rock, pop, jazz, funk and country. However, throughout their musical careers they have always maintained a strong acoustic and folk link.

 

Both Brian and Gerry have been writing songs from their earliest musical careers. Gerry was described in TIME OUT as "an excellent singer songwriter" and Brian critically acclaimed as "a dammed good singer songwriter". Both were described by another musical journalist as having "wonderful voices" and "unusually for singer songwriters..of having charisma on stage"

 

In 2006 this musical experience inevitably brought about a joint musical venture. Kinfolk was born. Their debut album, 'This Land', was critically acclaimed. There was a significant amount of airplay and this resulted in 'This Land' being on a number of radio station's 'Album of the Week' playlists. These included BBC Radio Scotland ('Take The Floor'), BBC Radio Oxford (SE) ('Irish Eye' - including a live studio session) and numerous internet radio stations including Celtic Radio (Scotland - a one hour feature with live radio interview) and Celtic Rock (Germany).

 

A number of positive reviews followed:

"..great original songs and a unique sound" (Celtophilia)

"They make amazing music...vocally and instrumentally they are excellent...beautiful songs distilled by grace and beauty" (The Celtic Music Fan)

"..their voices blend seamlessly...each track is a discovery" (Celtic Music Magazine)

"..A truly folk style with a mix of Celtic...a pleasure to listen to" (Capital Celtic)

 

Although Brian and Gerry continued to work together on various musical projects, due to family and other work commitments no more Kinfolk music was produced - until now!!

 

After much encouragement from a number of people, from both within and without the music industry, they have finally knuckled down and finished their new long awaited second album 'Long Time Gone'.

 

The song writing by this pair has obviously developed over the years and they appear together to have found a 'formula' which produces songs of the highest quality. With the addition of the talented fiddle player Michael Sanderson and his exceptional playing throughout the new album, another dimension has been added. There is a real 'live' feel to all of the songs and a consistency from beginning to end.

 

'Long Time Gone' has brought a new renewed purpose to Kinfolk and no doubt there is much more to come!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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