Well-known Roscommon musician Michael Banahan has embarked on a new phase of his career… having just released his debut album of original music.
The album features 11 new songs, all of which have been written by Michael. This is an exciting new departure for the multi-instrumentalist who has worked with some of the leading artists in the music industry over the past 30 years or so.
Long established as a solo artist and manager/promoter – he was a founding member of the critically acclaimed traditional/folk group Rig The Jig – Michael has now successfully delved into writing his own material, with this first album of original music already receiving critical acclaim from fellow musicians and the music media.
‘Broken Heart’ was released in recent weeks, and is co-produced with Bill Shanley, one of Ireland’s legendary guitarists and record producers.
The album had been taking shape in Michael’s mind for the past few years. In 2024, the songs finally arrived, followed closely by the production.
Reflecting on the experience, Michael says: “The process was healing in many ways, and as always, working with Bill on the production was a gentle and positive journey.”
Already, the response to ‘Broken Heart’ has been very positive. Hot Press magazine recently gave the album an ‘8 out of 10’ rating, while fellow artists have been very complimentary.
Charlie McGettigan has praised the “outstanding tracks” in the album while Eleanor Shanley describes ‘Broken Heart’ as “a wonderful collection of soul-baring songs sung with honesty and deep feeling”.
Over the years Michael has worked with many greats, including Sharon Shannon, Charlie McGettigan, Mick Hanly, Paul Brady, Christy Moore, Eleanor Shanley, Sean Keane, Luka Bloom, Ultan Conlon and Ralph McTell, amongst many others.
Michael recorded five albums with Rig The Jig, the enormously popular group that he co-founded. Other previous releases include Liftin’ of the Latch, Tecumseh Valley, and The Baileys (a collection of Irish ballads), while the Roscommon artist has performed extensively across Europe and North America.
Now ‘Broken Heart’ signals a new departure of sorts in that Michael is focussing more on songwriting, while greatly enjoying his recent collaboration (both in terms of producing and performing) with Bill Shanley, the internationally renowned guitarist and producer, a man who has worked with artists of the calibre of Ray Davies, Gilbert O’Sullivan and the late Sinead O’Connor.
Broken Heart is available on CD and vinyl and is on all streaming platforms. You can also purchase in Newsround in Roscommon Town and/or order on michaelbanahan.ie and brokenheart.ie.
‘Festival Folk’ concert is next Thursday
Michael Banahan will be amongst the performers at the third annual ‘Festival Folk’ concert – being held once again in aid of Roscommon Cancer Support – which takes place next week.
This year’s event will be held in the Abbey Hotel, Roscommon on Thursday, December 11th, and features a fantastic line-up of entertainers, including Mike Hanrahan & Pat Shortt, Mary Coughlan & Ultan Connolly, and a host of well-known local artists.
Tickets (€25) are now on sale at the Abbey Hotel (090 6626240), Vita House (090 6625898), and online via Eventbrite.
Roscommon Men’s Choir, Michael Banahan & Bill Shanley, Vincent Pierce, and the Shannon Academy School of Dance will also perform on the night.
Make sure to book your tickets now! All proceeds will go to Roscommon Cancer Support, based at Vita House (Abbey Street, Roscommon).
