Maggie Boyle is a traditional singer. Through her ballads old and new, she continues the tradition of music and storytelling passed on by her Irish family. Now living in Yorkshire, she was born in London where she sang and played from an early age.
Maggie Boyle is a traditional singer. Through her ballads old and new, she continues the tradition of music and storytelling passed on by her Irish family. Now living in Yorkshire, she was born in London where she sang and played from an early age.
Over recent years, Maggie has accrued an impressive catalogue of live and recorded work including film soundtracks, theatre and folk circuit appearances worldwide. Her vocals adorned Patriot Games and Legends of the Fall and are currently to be heard on a European Volkswagen TV advertising campaign. Maggie's voice and flute are an integral part of Chnstopher Bruce's folk ballet, Sergeant Early's Dream. Originally created for Rambert Dance Company, this production has been staged by many other prestigious companies including (in 1999) San Francisco Ballet and was revived by Ballet Rambert at Sadler's Wells in November 2000. A suite of dances with a theme loosely based on migration from the old world to the new, there is throughout a feeling of sadness at leaving the old home and losing touch with roots. The dances are all performed to traditional British, Irish and American music and song, provided by a distinguished array of musicians who sit at the back of the stage, including on this occasion Maggie Boyle on vocals and flute.
She has worked with James Horner (Hollywood soundtrack composer), The Chieftains, Incantation, Bert Jansch, John Renbourn, Steve Tilston ... and performs regularly with Grace Notes.
On her new CD album Gweebarra (Pure Records PRCD05), Maggie plays to her strengths, singing beautiful songs with strong storylines. She is accompanied by the superb guitar player Frank Kilkelly. A native of Castlebar, Co. Mayo now living in Galway, Frank has toured and recorded with a string of noted performers including Brendan Power, singer Sean Keane and Zumzeaux. Equal passion for Irish traditional music and swing jazz has led to his unique guitar style which keeps him much in demand.
In addition to the partnership with Frank and her increasing schedule of solo work, Maggie played the Y2k festival season and several Clubs in a new collaboration with the wonderful performer Gordon Tyrrall.
-- Unbiased Review from a Northumberland Folk Afficionado!