Kathleen Boyle Blog

Kathleen Boyle
An Cailín Rua

The captivating blend of Kathleen Boyle’s mixed Celtic upbringing is delightfully obvious in the young musician’s debut solo album. It’s due to hit stores in June 2008, although it has already been making waves for the young but already accomplished performer. Kathleen, who prides herself on her Scottish upbringing and Donegal roots, has been winning All-Britain and All-Scotland titles for years and more recently has tasted success with the bands Dòchas and Cherish the Ladies. She also made history in 1999 as the first person in Scotland to obtain a Degree in Traditional Music.
I imagine the 11-track album will prove worth waiting for, once listeners sample the mix of uplifting accordion tunes balanced so lovingly by a piano and the red head’s lilting melodies. In particular the album’s namesake An Cailín Rua provides a soft yet intense example of the artists ability to bring true pathos to almost anything she puts her mind to.
Elsewhere Kathleen mixes covers of tunes she admires with some of her own, ensuring this album is one to be enjoyed right to the very end.

Fiona Audley
Irish Post
May 10 2008