Role

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Composer  

Country

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Ireland

 

Matt Molloy is a renowned Irish flutist and a prominent figure in the world of traditional Irish music. Born on January 12, 1947, in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon, Ireland, Molloy grew up in a family of musicians. His father played the fiddle, and his mother was a singer. Molloy started playing the flute at the age of 19, after he moved to Dublin to work as a civil servant. Molloy's musical career began in the early 1970s when he joined the Irish traditional music group, The Bothy Band. The band was formed in 1974 and consisted of some of the most talented musicians in Ireland, including Paddy Keenan, Dónal Lunny, and Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill. The Bothy Band quickly gained popularity and became one of the most influential groups in the traditional Irish music scene. Molloy's flute playing was a key element of The Bothy Band's sound. His virtuosic playing style and his ability to improvise and create new melodies on the spot made him a standout performer. The Bothy Band released three albums between 1975 and 1979, which received critical acclaim and helped to popularize traditional Irish music around the world. After The Bothy Band disbanded in 1979, Molloy continued to perform and record music. He joined the Irish supergroup, Planxty, in 1980, replacing flutist Matt Molloy. Planxty was another influential group in the traditional Irish music scene, and Molloy's addition to the band helped to solidify their sound. Molloy recorded two albums with Planxty before the band disbanded in 1983. In 1985, Molloy released his first solo album, "Matt Molloy." The album featured Molloy's flute playing and showcased his ability to play traditional Irish music with a modern twist. The album was well-received and helped to establish Molloy as a solo artist. Molloy continued to record and perform throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He released several solo albums, including "Stony Steps" (1987), "Heathery Breeze" (1992), and "Shadows on Stone" (1996). Molloy also collaborated with other musicians, including guitarist John Doyle and fiddler Tommy Peoples. In addition to his solo work, Molloy was a member of the Irish traditional music group, The Chieftains, from 1994 to 2019. The Chieftains are one of the most well-known and respected traditional Irish music groups in the world. Molloy's addition to the band brought a new energy and sound to their music, and he recorded several albums with the group, including "The Long Black Veil" (1995) and "Tears of Stone" (1999). Molloy's contributions to traditional Irish music have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 1999, he was awarded the TG4 Gradam Ceoil (Traditional Musician of the Year) award, which is one of the highest honors in traditional Irish music. Molloy was also awarded an honorary doctorate from the National University of Ireland, Galway, in 2002. Molloy's flute playing has been described as "mesmerizing" and "spellbinding." His ability to create new melodies on the spot and his virtuosic playing style have made him one of the most respected and influential musicians in traditional Irish music. Molloy's contributions to the genre have helped to popularize traditional Irish music around the world and have inspired countless musicians to take up the flute and explore the rich musical heritage of Ireland. In conclusion, Matt Molloy is a legendary figure in the world of traditional Irish music.

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