Solo Albums
THE CHILD BALLADS (2019)
The Child Ballads are a collection of traditional ballads originally from England and Scotland, and their American variants, collected by Francis James Child during the second half of the nineteenth century. The Child Ballads have been performed and recorded by musicians from the classical, folk, jazz, and roots traditions, but never before have the genres amalgamated. It is specifically the connection to Irish collections and folklore that is the focus of this project and which gives the recording a distinctly Irish flavour.
This is a work of boundless imagination from Laoise O’Brien, and one that’ll fuel many an emerging musician and singer in pursuit of songs with both backbone and brio. (The Irish Times)
For lovers of the Child ballads, this album is a treat (The Living Tradition)
FROM SUN'S FAR RISING (2016)
This album was inspired by Castalia Hall, Ballytobin, Co. Kilkenny, close to where I live. The material on the recording is inspired by the place and by many of the themes which influence life in Ballytobin. Castalia Hall is a purpose-built hall which houses an impressive array of instruments, many of which can be heard on the album. I was curious to see what range of colours would be possible with just two instrumentalists and so invited my friend, the multi-instrumentalist, Francesco Turrisi, to join me on the adventure. We spent three magical days in the Kilkenny countryside and this recording is a result of that experience.
SONNETS FOR THE CRADLE (2012)
Beginning with 'One Charming Night' from Henry Purcell's 'The Fairy Queen' and ending with the Irish lullaby 'Dia do bheatha, 'Nai anocht', this charming recording weaves a tale of Kings and Queens, heroes and villains and the dangers that lurk in the deep dark woods. Featuring some of Ireland's leading musicians and recorded in the medieval city of Kilkenny.
A documentary feature on the project broadcast by RTÉ lyric fm received a bronze award at the New York Festivals Awards, 2013.
Funded by the Arts Council of Ireland through the Music Recording Scheme, managed by Music Network.
HOW HAPPY FOR THE LITTLE BIRDS (2011)
How Happy for the Little Birds is the title track of the album by Laoise O'Brien and is part of a multi-disciplinary project with the artist Lorna Donlon. An exhibition of collages inspired by the recording ran throughout the 2011 Kilkenny Arts Festival. The project received a tremendous response.
The recording brings the listener through a year of birdsong with tunes from Ireland, England and beyond. The birds featured on the CD are mostly common to Ireland and Britain.
ALL ALBUMS RECORDED BY BEN RAWLINS