Solas (group)

Solas is an Irish-American musical group formed in 1994, playing Irish traditional music as well as original compositions in the style.

Their name comes from an Irish word meaning "light". At the time, the band was made up of Séamus Egan, who had already recorded two solo albums as well as a soundtrack to a film; Winifred Horan, a member of Cherish the Ladies; John Doyle, previously a member of The Chanting House with Egan; Karan Casey and John Williams. Their first performance was in Georgetown University's Gaston Hall in Washington, D.C. in 1995.

Solas received national exposure on American Public Media's "A Prairie Home Companion" in May 1996. That same year, they recorded their first album and, in October, toured the U.S. A second album followed in 1997 and several members of Solas appeared on Karan's debut solo album as session musicians. Following their second album, John Williams left Solas to pursue a solo career to be replaced by Mick McAuley. In 1999, between the releases of "The Words That Remain" and "The Hour Before Dawn", Karan left for a similar purpose and was replaced by Deirdre Scanlan. John Doyle left after the release of "The Hour Before Dawn", being replaced by Donal Clancy. Clancy left after the release of "The Edge of Silence", and was replaced by Eamon McElholm. In June 2008 the band announced Mairead Phelan had joined the group as their new singer.

Discography

* "Solas" (1996)
* "Sunny Spells and Scattered Showers" (1997)
* "The Words That Remain" (1998)
* "The Hour Before Dawn" (2000)
* "The Edge of Silence" (2002)
* "Another Day" (2003)
* "Waiting for an Echo" (2005)(Shanachie Records)
* "" (2006)
* "For Love and Laughter" (2008)(Compass Records)

Band members

* Seamus Egan (flute, tenor banjo, mandolin, tin whistle/low whistle, guitar, bodhrán)
* Winifred Horan (fiddle)
* Mick McAuley (button accordion/piano accordion, concertina, low whistle, backing vocals)
* Mairead Phelan (lead vocals)
* Eamon McElholm (guitar, vocals, keyboard)

Former members

* Karan Casey (lead vocals)
* John Williams (accordion)
* John Doyle (guitar)
* Deirdre Scanlan (lead vocals)

External links

* [http://www.solasmusic.com/ Official Website]
* [http://www.celticcafe.com/archive/Hitchner/solas.htm Solas: America's Own Irish-Music Band] at CelticCafe.com