Album Notes

The John Breen album combines the best of traditional Irish music with unique contemporary interpretations of the same by the world music influenced "Mad Hatter's Celtic Orchestra." The songs reflect both the ballads that John Breen is best known for along with the kind of rollicking good fun associated with Ireland's foot tapping Celtic beats.

John's album is a concept album delivering a fresh perspective of songs with roots rich in tradition yet broadened by music schooled in dynamics and foundation, intelligently embracing the sounds of ancient Celtic times and interweaving it with the Ireland of today. This is an album of Celtic passion delivered in John Breen's compelling vocal styling that truly instills a desire to listen to it one more time. Producer Steven Hawkins draws from a diverse range of traditional music styles, sounds and instrumentation, and explores a unique and refreshingly modern approach to roots-based Celtic music. The arrangements are different from what anyone might expect.

In past years, John Breen has performed with his own band, to sharing the stage with Boru, The Dublin Rogues, The Dublin City Ramblers, and Liam O' Faoilin to name a few. Currently John is touring in Europe with his band Finan.

With original songs included on this release, proving John's capacity for writing as well as singing, this debut album is truly a first in what we are certain will be many future albums throughout John Breen's flourishing career.

Performances:
John Breen - vocal & acoustic guitar
Ken Burns - mandolin
Paddy O' Conner - highland pipes/uileann pipes
Willie Malone -tin whistle/ flute/recorder
Steven Hawkins - bodhran/drums/percussion/harmonica/keyboards/ glockenspiel/acoustic bass/background vocals
The Mad Hatter's Celtic Orchestra - Orchestral performances
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