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John Carty - Bio John Carty is a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, born in London, England in 1962. Blessed with a family whose musical roots go back for generations, it was inevitable that John would dabble with many instruments. In 1982 he won the All-Ireland banjo title, and became a mainstay of the flourishing London session scene. In 1991 John moved to Ireland settling in Boyle, Co Roscommon. In 1994 his first solo banjo album The Cat that ate the Candle was released by Clo Iar Chonnachta. The one fiddle track on this led to a three album contract with Shanachie, and his first fiddle album, Last Night’s Fun, was released in 1996. The end of 2000 saw the release of his second album with Shanachie, Yeh, That’s All It Is, on fiddle and tenor guitar accompanied by Brian McGrath and Arty McGlynn. In August 2003 Shanachie released Carty's latest fiddle CD, At It Again. He is accompanied on it by Alec Finn, Brian McGrath, Francis Gaffney and Arty McGlynn. John has been involved in many other recordings, notably Brian Rooney’s albums, The Godfather and From London to Leitrim, which John produced. John was also the lead violin on the sound track of the film Mapmaker, shot in Co Leitrim. John tours extensively with At The Racket (himself, Brian McGrath, and Seamus O’Donnel), and solo. He has performed at the major European and the North American festivals. Recently he has undertaken a series of concerts with Matt Molloy exploring the North Connaught tradition. He also tours with long time friend and fellow multi-instrumentalist, Ged Foley. John Carty was selected TG4's Traditional Musician of the Year for 2003. Previous winners include Matt Molloy, Tommy Peoples, Mary Bergin, Máire Ní Chathasaigh, and Paddy Keenan—all are considered to be the leading exponents of their instruments in the Irish tradition. Reviews Yeh,That’s All It Is John Carty has to be rated among the most talented and exciting fiddlers in Ireland today. The Irish Voice Carty's fiddle tone is ever plangent, bright and ringing and perfectly suited to his repertoire. McGrath and McGlynn are two of the finest accompanists around and, all in all, this is one of the best Shanachie releases for some time. Geoff Wallis, Musical Traditions Carty’s fiddle mastery makes this one of the finest new CDs showcasing the Irish melodic tradition at its best. Paul Carr, Tower Records At It Again Sheer joy from the get go. Siobhan Long, Irish Times The recordings here all shine with the light, sweet touch of the fiddle, and the stringed accompaniment from the bouzouki/guitar is not overpowering… It’s all lovely music, easy to love and appreciate, whether you’re a musician or a punter. The Irish Herald
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