The Bonny Men

In the twelve months that The Bonny Men have been together, they have emerged as the most talked about, and exciting young band to emerge from the trad/folk scene in Ireland.

Their debut album, self entitled The Bonny Men, was recorded live over four days in the internationally renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios. This album captures the raw energy and life with which these young musicians play music. Described as " a complete breath of fresh air", and " an album that would remind you of the explosive power of The Bothy Band", this album has all the hallmarks of an instant classic.

Their unique sound features two sets of siblings, both from well known musical families. Barry Lyons takes on the role of guitar, while on bodhrán is his brother Conor, twice winner of the World Bodhrán Championships. On uilleann pipes is Oireachtas champion Maitiú Ó Casaide and his younger sister Natalie plays the piano. All-Ireland winner Moss Landman is on flute, Turlough Chambers is on fiddle and Adam Whelan is on bouzouki.

Íde Nic Mhathúna is the lead vocalist in the band. The Bonny Men's singing capabilities are quite remarkable. Íde can sing in both Irish and English, and her powerful voice is unforgettable once heard. Adding to this, Conor has a strong distinctive singing voice with a repertoire of his own, and all band members are adept at backing vocals and harmonies, giving each song they sing a full wall of sound.