Album Notes

Poet-song writer Michael McMahon was born in the East Wall, Dublin Ireland. He emigrated to San Diego in 1987 and formed An Carraig with Clifton, New Jersey-born multi-instrumentalist, George Rubsamen in 2004.

An Carraig performs original songs written by Michael, with sounds and images of Ireland, which are guaranteed to touch your heart.

The band performs primarily in San Diego, CA
but when you can't catch a live performance, they have produced their first CD of all original songs for your enjoyment.

Artist Bios:

Michael McMahon was born in the East Wall area of Dublin Ireland. He started writing at the age of 10 and has only stopped periodically ever since. He writes poetry, songs and prose with the same passion. In his younger days, he played the folk circuit in Dublin and London. Since coming to America in 1987, he has been playing the Pub, Wedding, Birthday Party Circuit. He formed An Carraig as a specific vehicle for playing his songs, which are a mix of contemporary and traditional styles, both lyrically and musically. Since teaming up with George in 2004, they have become a powerhouse of a duo. With the release of their first CD, titled "The Rakings in the Dark", they feel they have remained true to their Irish Folk Heritage, while stamping it with their own inimitable style. All the songs on the CD are written by McMahon and demonstrate a love and versatility for the craft. Michael plays 12-string guitar on stage and handles most of the lead vocals. He also plays bass, mandolin and harmonica.

George Rubsamen hails originally from Clifton, New Jersey, and arrived in San Diego in 1976. He immediately became absorbed in the thriving Irish music scene and Irish community in general through his involvement with the Siamse Gael Ceile Band. His great influence was the Dublin Uilleann Piper David Page, as well as his friend
and former bandmate, Liffey Folk founder Kit Healy. George is an outstanding multi-instrumentalist, changing with ease in An Carrig's live performances from fiddle to mandolin to concertina. He also plays guitar, bodhran and sings great harmonies to Michael's vocals.