Album Notes

**Mary on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=784Ea3hrhNI


Mary Courtney hails from a large musical family from Castlegregory, Co. Kerry, Ireland. She is the lead singer, guitarist, and bodhrán (Irish hand-held drum) player with the very popular New York based Irish Traditional band 'Morning Star'.
She has several recordings with the band namely,'These Better Days''Gra'and 'Away Ye Go Now'which can be purchased from cdbaby.Mary has also recorded with Black 47's Larry Kirwan on two of their albums 'Fire of Freedom' and their most recent recording 'New York Town' on the songs 'Living in America' and 'Eleven Years On' She has sang live many times with the band and most recently on stage at BB Kings NYC for the opening night party for the Tony Award winning play 'The Liutenant of Innishmore'
Chris Byrne of Seanchai and The Unity Squad invited Mary to sing his song 'Mise Eire' on their CD 'Rebel Massive' along with Shane McGowan and Damien Dempsey.
'Sceil Eile' is Mary's first solo CD. It is a collection of twelve songs each telling their own story of love (in its various forms), equality, and justice. Mary plays guitar for 10 of the tracks and bodhrán on one; she took the cover photo in 1995, from Brandon Point in Kerry. The last song is acapella. Beth Higgins sings backing vocals on track 5. In May of 2005 'The Memphis in May'International Festival featured Mary in that years festival's salute to Ireland which was the featured country that year.
Mary and many other singers and musicians donated their time and talent on a CD entitled 'Rescue'to help fellow counryman and singer Danny O'Flaherty who lost his livelihood and his pub O'Flaherty's Irish Channel Center in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.All monies from sales of this CD goes to Danny and his family.To purchase a copy of 'Rescue' please go to :www.dannyoflahery.com
Mary has a new single deal with MCS (Manhattan Center Studios)This new beautiful song is entitled 'The Sky Belonges to Dreamers' was written and composed by her very good friend Dave Mc Gilton from Co. Cork Ireland. For a preview and sales click on: www.cdbaby.com/cd/mcourtney2 or go to itunes to purchase. Dave has just released a new CD called 'Louder than the Drums of War' (www.artistsforhealing.com)Everyone on this album donated their work for this amazing project.

**Mary plays a steady Thursday night session with fellow band member Bernadette Fee (fiddle)from 7pm to 10.00pm at The Punch Bowl Pub,5820 Broadway (at the corner of 238th St.)Bronx (718)884-7322 (www.punchbowlnyc.com)

**Mary plays every Friday from 6-8pm at An Beal Bocht Cafe Bronx NY (718)884-7127 (www.anbealbochtcafe.com) - come join her for 'Ballad Night'!

**Stop by The Heritage at 960 McLean Ave. on Sundays, 4-7pm to see Mary & friends performing some of your favourite songs & tunes. (914)776-7532

**Check out the band site: www.sonicbids.com/marycourtneymorningstar