The Martin Hayes Quartet Release Debut Album THE BLUE ROOM

The Martin Hayes Quartet, a new ensemble from one of Ireland's foremost musicians, will release its debut CD The Blue Room in conjunction with their first American tour in October 2018. Kicking off October 11 at New York City's Highline Ballroom, the tour will visit Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music, San Francisco'sFreight And Salvage and other notable U.S. venues along the way. (See below for full tour dates). Stream The Blue Room here

Irish fiddler Martin Hayes is known worldwide for his soulful interpretations of traditional Irish music. The award-winning artist has collaborated with Paul Simon, Sting,Cassandra Wilson, Bill Frisell, and with Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Ensemble on the Grammy-winning album Sing Me Home.

His new Martin Hayes Quartet is called "a highly resonant coming together" by the Irish Times. The group expands upon many of the musical ideas Martin has pursued in his renowned and longstanding partnership with guitarist Dennis Cahill. Their legendary explorations and arrangements of Irish music now push into new territory with the deep mellow sound of bass clarinet, played by the virtuosic Doug Wieselman (Laurie Anderson, Lou Reed, Antony & the Johnsons), and the warm tones of the viola played by the brilliant Liz Knowles (Bobby McFerrin, Bang-on-a-Can Orchestra, Riverdance). Cahill, a classically trained guitarist from Chicago, provides his groundbreaking Irish accompaniment.

"I love the chemistry we share as a group. Each performance is unique, spontaneous and buzzing with energy!" says Hayes. Born and raised in County Clare, Hayes began learning fiddle from his father at age seven. He is regarded as one of Ireland's most influential traditional musicians, and is the founder of the award-winning band,The Gloaming.

The new album The Blue Room was recorded at Bantry House, a stately and historic 18th-century home on the edge of Bantry Bay, West Cork, as the quartet sat in a circle in the library with fires blazing at both ends of the room. Upon its European release the album garnered wide critical acclaim: "Absolutely essential listening when it comes to the very best of contemporary Irish music" (Arts Desk UK), "especially divine" (The Sunday Business Post), and "nothing short of revelatory" (Glasgow Life).

With a wealth of musical experience and exciting new ideas, The Martin Hayes Quartet is simultaneously ancient and contemporary, innovative and authentic.

Video, Martin Hayes Quartet:

The Making of 'The Blue Room' (Bantry House, Cork, Ireland, 4 min)

Backstage and Live at the National Concert Hall (Dublin, 2017, 2 min)

Live at Irish Arts Center (NYC, 2016, 21 min)

The Martin Hayes Quartet U.S. Tour

10/11 - Highline Ballroom, New York, NY - Tickets

10/12 - Hopewell Theater - Hopewell, NJ - Tickets

10/18 - 1900 Building - Mission Woods, KS - Tickets
10/20 - Old Town School of Folk Music - Chicago, IL - Tickets

10/23 - Sebastopol Community Center - Sebastopol, CA - Tickets

10/24 - Freight and Salvage - Berkeley, CA - Tickets