Next UK tour 25th April to29th May 2014 - Now taking bookings.
Soundclips:Turn it Around; Braw Sailing on the Sea; Waterfall
Eileen's website ; David's website
"Pocketful of Rhymes confirms McGann as one of Canada’s most accomplished contemporary folksingers whose embrace extends far beyond our national borders." - therecord.com
Eileen is one of Canada's foremost songstresses, equally at home with her own self-written songs or interpreting the tradition. Her voice is as clear as a lark but has the strength of an eagle. Eileen is the ultimate musical conundrum, the eco-warrior, conscious of the issues of today, but not intimidated by traditional ballads of yesterday.
Her songs paint pictures, tell stories and poke fun at life's absurdities. A strong environmental and social sensibility pervades much of her writing and her choice of traditional material ranges from ancient ballads to rollicking songs of love and adventure.
Soaring vocals, insightful lyrics and a powerful ability to make both her own and traditional songs come alive for audiences: these qualities have made Eileen McGann a mainstay at festivals across Canada, the US and Great Britain for almost two decades. Eileen tours with acclaimed multi-instrumentalist sideman David K., on Irish bouzouki, bass, National tri-cone and harmony vocals.
"What would you say to song writing a la Stan Rogers allied to a voice of like ilk to Mary Black?... Eileen's voice has a stunning immediacy & power that threatens to overwhelm the unwary listener with its sheer exquisiteness." — fRoots.
Also a fine artist, this Youtube video of Eileen's song Rushing River is illistrated with images from her own paintings and sketches.
Eileen has seven solo CDs and her CD, Beyond the Storm, was nominated for a Juno Award for “Best Album: Roots & Traditional.” (Canada's Emmys).
"One of folk music's breathtaking voices... her songs range from Celtic and traditional to very contemporary and topical... A gifted lyric poet and musical composer whose gorgeous vocals make her a must-see performer." — Songstreet, Boston, USA.
Her live performances have been featured on national radio programmes in Britain, Canada and the U.S., including CBC's "Morningside" and "Gabereau", NPR's "Mountain Stage", and "River City Folk"; a BBC Radio International broadcast from the mainstage of the prestigious Cambridge Festival, and a BBC2 National broadcast from the Sidmouth International Festival. She has played the major folk festivals across Canada and Great Britain as well as Philadelphia and other U.S. Festivals.
REVIEW
Pocketful of Rhymes (Dragonwing Music)
- therecord.com
Eileen McGann would be the first to admit Pocketful of Rhymes has been a long time coming. Nonetheless, her seventh solo studio album, which she co-produced with longtime collaborator David K, rewards the wait.
Accompanying herself on guitar, McGann’s fresh, vibrant soprano has never sounded better. Joined by K on backup vocals, guitars, bass, bouzouki and mandolin and augmented by an acoustic ensemble and sextet of harmony vocalists, Pocketful of Rhymes offers a richly satisfying aural experience.
But it’s the songwriting that makes the album special, not unlike the West Coast singer/songwriter’s previous releases. The baker’s dozen of traditional Celtic songs and originals explore love and romance, nature and spirituality, life and afterlife, self awareness and topical politics.
Pocketful of Rhymes confirms McGann as one of Canada’s most accomplished contemporary folksingers whose embrace extends far beyond our national borders."
As with many performers who are muti-talented creative people. Eileen is also a very fine artist with a range of paintings for sale. See her art. Her new songbook is illustrated throughout with her sketches.
Eileen's 2014 tour
Dates booking now
April
25th Start
28th Beverley
29th Bridlington
May
2nd Harthill
6th Glasgow
7th Edinburgh
9th Guisborough
16th Bollington
20th Alton, Hants
28th Finish
Click on the thumbnail of the poster to download a poster to print .