Allison And Band

After 25yrs gigging & writing Songs Allison decided it was time to record her debut Cd. Colm Hearty was the Instigator initially, Producing/recording and Co-arranging some songs with Allison (he played incredible guitar work and bass on some forthcoming tracks).
Dayv Grant Producer/Engineer Rostrevor) then joined them and like Colm has given up so much of his time/hardwork/late nights/patience and friendship they were Undoubtably one of the biggest factors in Encouraging this project forward.

Allison then approached some of Irelands Most Finest and well seasoned musicians ie Gareth Hughes-Guitar & Bass, Dermot McQuaid-Guitar & Bass, Colm Hearty-Guitar and Karl Hughes-Drums, to form band...

Guest artists also performing on Cd: Matthew Benson- Trombone, Peter Benson-Keyboards, Steve Clarke-Saxophone, Chris Day-Trombone, Gary Day-Guitar, Catherine Barter-Bv’s, Claire Galway-Bv’s, Jarlath Mulholland-Saxophone, Mark Russell-violin,Peter Barter-synth.Jules Andrade.

They enjoy gigging Original Tracks alongside some covers.

In May 2010 they preformed at The International Guinness Blues On The Bay Festival, July 2010 The Fiddlers Green Festival and support for Alabama 3 in August 2010.

Then it was back to the studio to complete cd, having made a trip to London earlier in the year to record with Peter Barter @ Alchemea (London) Peter is also originally from Warrenpoint and had the final task of mixing/mastering of Album.

Gigs 2011:
International Guinness Blues on The Bay Festival-May
Down Arts Festival –July 8th
Newcastle Music & Arts Fest –August 28th

Gigs 2012:
Ronnie Drew’s Home grown Sessions – Feb 2nd 2012 (Ronnie Drews’ Belfast)
Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival – Feb 25th (‘The John Hewitt’ Belfast)
Amplified (Bar Newry): Sat 31st March
Album Launch: Friday 20th April 2012 @ 9pm The Duke Warrenpoint

Album available for download on Cd Baby/Amazon/Itunes 20th April 2012
Allison And Band are available for bookings at:
allison.mcgrath@hotmail.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/allisonmcgrathmusic


Musicians Together Album Review:

Overboard’ by Allison McGrath. CD review.
When you open the CD case you will be greeted by a most beautiful print of
Allison and her guitar on the disc, so so smooth and inviting. You’ll want to
run your finger over it again and again. It’s drawing you into the music….. a
beautiful hybrid soundscape of Jazz, Soul, Blues. Well crafted songs sung
exquisitely and tastefully played.
Allison hails from Northern Ireland and has had a life long interest in all things musical. Performing in school musicals/choirs, busking in Belfast
City for 3 years, Lead singer with ‘Captain Swing’ gigging in Belfast and Touring Northern Ireland, Heading up current band ‘Allison And Soulantics’. A fine musical pedigree and apprenticeship.
Recently Alison decided the time had come to record her debut CD and linked up
with Colm Hearty and Davy Grant to get the ball rolling. A huge array of guest
musicians and performers were then enrolled to add their talent to the evolving
tracks. Far too many to mention here but the result is a smooth album which has a sort of ‘band’ sound rather than just Allison and a backing crew. It works very well and everybody is given space to play and add to the overall sound.
9 songs in this collection, all great, but as usual I’ll pick a couple for special mention.
Song three is ‘Fabulous Friend’. ‘Where were you my fabulous friend when I needed you….’ This song is full of passion ‘No more secrets, no more lying..’. Tasty guitar licks that Clapton would be proud of. Amazing vocals delivered effortlessly and…a groove to move your soul. It is a timeless piece that rewards repeated listens. Late night radio really should pick up on this track and give their listeners a treat.

Song six ‘Turn A Blind Eye’ will have you singing along, it is a lament, a comfort, a pick me up. Not only is the singing on this entrancing, but the musicianship is world class. Sax, guitar, bass, drums and more that any artist would die for. It truly has that ‘band’ feel I mentioned earlier and is all the better for it.
‘Overboard’ is indeed a very fine debut album from Allison. It will fit nicely with late night and relaxed listening. You will want your mind at ease to fully immerse yourself and reap the rewards. I personally will file it beside Eric Clapton’s and Robbie Robertson’s recent works.
If you are lucky enough to be near a gig check out Allison’s live band ‘Allison And Soulantics’ and hear her performing some of these great songs.

Etta James,Sade,John Martyn, Led Zepplen, Eddie Ryder,Fleetwoodmac,Bob Marley,