Biography
Combining their love for traditional and folk music as well as original songs and tunes the Paul McKenna Band have been playing to audiences throughout the UK since 2006.
With a contemporary approach to songs, although not straying too far from their roots, their arrangements are both fresh and innovative.
Their exciting sound is created through outstanding vocals, driving Guitar and Bouzouki, intense Fiddle playing, a warm pairing of Flute and Whistles and dynamic Bodhrán and percussion.
press quotes
“A band with the potential to dominate the Scottish/Irish traditional scene for the next twenty years and be spoken about in the same breath as Boys Of The Lough.” Fatea Magazine
“The best band of their generation” The Living Tradition
“Great songs, great muscianship and, best of all, great enthusiasm. This outfit really enjoy their music and it shows. Audiences give an ecstatic response wherever they play.” Edinburgh Folk Club
“A must see” The Garden Session
paul mckenna
Paul is an outstanding singer and multi-instrumentalist from Glasgow. His own music draws from the rich traditions of Scottish and Irish music and blends it with modern rock and contemporary songwriting. After only a few years Paul has gained the respect of some of the UKs top folk musicians and continues to impress listeners up and down the country. He is currently studying towards a degree in Scottish Music at the RSAMD. He takes influence from great folk performers including Paul Brady, Christy Moore, Dick Gaughan, John Doyle and Donal Lunny and also contemporary artists such as Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.
david mcnee
David is an exciting talent from Glasgow, Scotland. A multi-instrumentalist, he favours a contemporary approach but uses traditional instruments such as mandolin and bouzouki to achieve a modern robust sound. He recently produced and featured on Irish singer Mary Kathleen Burke’s album “A song in her heart” which was released through Greentrax Recordings and is available in all good record stores. He is currently working with producer and drummer Fergus Mackenzie of the Finlay Macdonald Band on a new album which will be completed in 2009.
ruairidh macmillan
Originally from Nairn in the Scottish Highlands, fiddler Ruairidh Macmillan is quickly making a name for himself in the world of Scottish Traditional music. Having been taught by the legendary Aonghas Grant snr, and just graduated with a B.A. Honours (Scottish Music) from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in 2008, he already has a vast amount of touring experience behind him, having performed extensively throughout Europe and beyond! In February 2009, Ruairidh was awarded the prestigious title of ‘BBC Radio Scotland Young Traditional Musician of the Year’. He is currently working towards his debut solo album, due for release in early 2010, on the Greentrax label. In addition to performing, Ruairidh has a great deal of teaching experience, currently holding posts at the Glasgow Fiddle Workshop and the R.S.A.M.D.’s ‘Youthworks’ department, as well as teaching privately.
sean gray
Seán’s involvement in the folk and traditional music scene goes back to the tender age of nine when with his sister Robyn he attended his first folk club. Throughout his early teens Seán with his Sister Robyn played at various clubs and festivals through out Scotland. Seán’s final year of secondary school was spent at the National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music at Plockton High School in the Western Highlands. At the school he studied flute with Dougie Pincock and Guitar with Jack Evans. Over the years Seán has played along side many major acts such as Dick Gaughan, Back of the Moon, Jim Malcolm, Andy Irvine, Shooglenifty, Gráda, The Findlay MacDonald Band, The Peatbog Faeries and Lyra Celtica to name but a few.
ewan baird
Ewan comes from a family long involved in the folk scene. Ewan took up the bodhrán only three years ago and in that time has developed a unique style of playing to a standard which is both impressive and the envy of many players. He also playes Cajon, and favours the DADGAD style of guitar. His unique style of playing is both effective and sympathetic to the music of the Paul McKenna Band.