The
Fallen Angels are a four piece female Celtic vocal harmony band. Though
their songs are mainly contemporary and traditional Irish they also
include gospel, folk and some classical favorites in their program.
They first came together in Dublin
as an Ad-hoc group in 1987. At the time Joan McDermott and Eilish
Moore were running a folk club in the Meeting Place on Dorset Street,
Dublin, they decided to give one night a week to female performers
as it was felt at the time that there were very few opportunities
for women to perform in Dublin. Joan and Eilish were joined on stage
by Frances Black, Mandy Murphy and Maire Breathneach, the reaction
was so strong that they became a regular act.
In 1991 the group with a now settled
lineup of Joan McDermott, Hailey Murphy, Bridget Heffernan, Ida
Tynan and Ann Kinsella, started to tour regularly. They spent much
of their time touring in Germany, Denmark, England and Switzerland,
and have along the way performed with The Pogues, Janice Ian, Fairport
Convention and Mary Black.
"What
sets them apart is both the individual excellence of the voices
and their power when combined. Unusually for a vocal group there
is no stylistic homogenization, indeed the set takes in folk, rock,
calypso, and country songs, which retain their individuality in
spite of some radical and intelligent reworkings.
Here is a group that succeeds in making Neil Young's 'Love is Like
A Rose' sound like a gospel standard, Sting's 'Fragile' sound like
a fine piece of songwriting, and Prince's 'Starfish and Coffee',
a song and artist unlikely to have been encountered by the bulk
of the audience, sound even better than the original." John Williamson - Glasgow Herald
In 1996, with an all-new repertoire,
they recorded a new CD 'Happy Ever After' with Ursula Connolly replacing
Ann Kinsella. After the album Ursula left to pursue her solo career
and was replaced by the very impressive Suzanne Bushnell.
Joan McDermott: is a traditional
singer from New Ross Co. Wexford. As well as being a founder member
of the group she was also a founder member of another all female
group 'Macalla' in the 80's. She has performed with several well
known Irish artists including, Kieran Goss, Steve Cooney, Kieran
Halpin and Manus Lunny.
Hailey Kaley Murphy: Cork born
Hailey comes from a very musical family and has been a backing vocalist
for many of Ireland's top acts including Mary Black, Katel Keinig
and Paul Tiernan. Hailey has also worked with the legendary Donovan
during some recent recordings in Ireland. Her sister Mandy was one
of the original Fallen Angels.
Bridget Heffernan: Comes from
Dublin, has being singing professionally for many years. She worked
with a number of groups under the name Kate Oregin. She has toured
with many top artists including Tom Paxton, Christy Moore and Brendan
Grace and is also in constant demand for recording sessions.
Suzanne Bushnell: is the daughter
of the world renowned singer Anne Bushnell, started her musical
career at the age of 6 when she appeared on stage with Eurovision
winner Dana. Since then she has appeared regularly on Irish national
radio and television, as well as appearing at a concert in Dublin's
Point Theatre with the RTE Symphony Orchestra.