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The Haar introduces the fresh talent of traditional Irish singer Molly Donnery combined with three of the most exciting instrumentalists on the folk and traditional music circuit: Cormac Byrne (Instrumentalist of the Year 2019, FATEA Magazine Music Awards), Adam Summerhayes (‘a Paganini of the traditional violin’ fROOTS) and Murray Grainger (‘Gorgeous stuff’ BBC Radio 3). Like the eponymous sea-mist, which rolls in both east and west from the Irish and North Seas, the music in their debut record varies in denseness and viscosity. It is at once tangible and fleeting, headily thick one moment and thinly dispersed the next. Three masterful instrumentalists provide an improvised space from which Molly’s pure and unadulterated vocals can emerge. The Haar is a collection of traditional Irish songs tackling love, poverty and oppression – common subjects that link the peoples of these islands. This is music that is not afraid to transcend borders - whilst recognisably born of the traditional musics that all members have grown up with and absorbed, it is unapologetic in pushing at the edges in order to create the band’s own unique and compelling sound.
THE HAAR – THE ALBUM
Molly Donnery – vocals
Cormac Byrne – bodhrán and percussion
Murray Grainger – accordion
Adam Summerhayes – fiddle
Two musicians stand in a crowded pub on the Irish island of Inis Oírr; a flame-haired girl silences the room with a quiet unaccompanied song – Molly’s voice was worth the silence.
An impulsive decision follows, and at sunset the next day, Molly, Adam and Cormac meet at a timeless shipwreck on the wild Atlantic shoreline. They sit on a rock and a simple traditional song emerges – just voice, fiddle and bodhrán. No rehearsal, no arrangement – the song performed intuitively … the seed of an idea that grows into The Haar, the lineup completed when Molly and Murray (accordion) meet for the first time in the studio to record Irish traditional songs tackling love, poverty and oppression –subjects that link the peoples of these islands.
In the studio, the music flows from the bands first notes together – reminiscent of the haar, a sea mist that rolls in from the Irish and North Seas: fleeting, intangible, headily thick, suddenly overwhelming and then unexpectedly clearing for a glimpse of precious sunlight. The band make no plans, just letting the music create itself; the tracks on the album are the first and only versions, as unpredictable and ephemeral as the haar itself.
Murray has just done a great job repairing and servicing my Dad's melodeon. Excellent job and would highly recommend. Andy and Brian Beal
Date of experience: March 14, 2023
Thanks to Murray for the excellent Harmonik 5001 accordion pickup, neatly fitted on-time. Outstanding - recommend it to fellow accordionists.
Date of experience: February 7, 2023
I was struggling to know how best to acquire an accordion that wasn't too expensive, yet would be easy to use as a beginner and would sound good. A friend recommended The Reed Lounge and I left a message on the site, saying what I was after. The next day I had a phone call from Murray saying that he had just got this Hohner Student V in (it hadn't been put up on the site at that point) and I could have first refusal on it.
I had it as a Christmas present from my family (it arrived free of charge to my home in Plymouth in a matter of days) and it has been absolutely perfect. I have played it every day since then and am progressing in leaps and bounds. It is a beautiful instrument and is proving to be excellent for me to learn on - especially as it has just 48 bass keys. I was very intimidated by all those black buttons!
I am so pleased as I would otherwise have probably bought a new Chinese model at a similar price, which I'm sure would have been no where near as good.
Another good thing about the Hohner, Murray says, is that it will hold it's value should I want to upgrade at some point. I can see that after a few months I may well need a few additional keys and bass notes...
I am absolutely delighted and I would heartily recommend putting your trust in the Reed Lounge for finding you the perfect accordion for your needs.
Date of experience: February 10, 2021
In an ideal world one would pick up and play an instrument before laying out good money. But this is a Covid world and physical contact is a thing of the past so I had to put my trust in Murray.
In phone calls and emails he was most helpful. He made a recording so that I could hear the difference between the two boxes and make my decision.
It arrived, very well packed and I was delighted.
There is, however, a problem with two buttons - one won't sound on the pull and the other is silent on the push. Fortunately neither are frequently used notes - for me at any rate, I am an absolute novice. I called Murray to report the fault and he said he could fix it easily in minutes.
I'm sure he can. When able to, I intend to drive the 200 miles or so to meet Murray. Hopefully I'll be able to watch him do the fix. And I look forward to shaking his hand. I love my Lachenal. Thank you Murray.
Date of experience: January 18, 2021
Just received a gorgeous Maugein acordion from Murray, excellent condition, beyond my expectations for a small model...
I was quite nervous buying over the Internet with what to me was a large sum of money but Murray never bullied me or used hard sell tactics, he put my nerves re couriers, complaints at rest with his totally professional yet friendly manner and witjin days i am thrilled to be playing such a lovely box, playability and sound perfectly as described... Can't recommended enough especially after some experiences ive had in the past... Many thanks
Date of experience: October 29, 2020
I think accordions are each rather unique so sound and play very differently. I don't think you can beat trying out as many as possible with different tunings and sizes to narrow the field ahead of making an appointment to try them out at the Reed Lounge before purchase. That was my experience, and Murray was extremely helpful in providing great advice. I'm still getting used to my new accordion, but I think I am already becoming a better player for having it. My audiences love it too, because the tone is very pure and well balanced. I have no hesitation in recommending The Reed Lounge.
Date of experience: October 20, 2020
I went to buy a piano accordian for my son. I had no previous idea of what to buy. The owner was extremely knowledgeable and explained all my options very clearly and patiently. No hard sell. The service was excellent would buy from there again.
Date of experience: September 17, 2020
I ordered (payed via PayPal) Elastic Buckle Cover for Accordion Straps on Oct 3,2019, but it is not delivered yet.
I'm still waiting.
Date of experience: December 13, 2019
Pleasant and straightforward experience, with reasonable shipping time. My only regret is the apparent unavailability of the companion book, too.
Date of experience: July 4, 2019
I am very happy with this system. It gives a clear pure tone and is very simple to use, no messy wires. Murray fitted it in a few hours. Great service.
Date of experience: June 23, 2019