Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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1961 in County Clare, Ireland

 

Martin Hayes is a renowned Irish fiddler and composer who has made significant contributions to the world of traditional Irish music. Born on July 17, 1962, in Maghera, County Clare, Ireland, Hayes grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to traditional Irish music from a young age. His father, P.J. Hayes, was a well-known fiddler, and his mother, Ita, was a singer and concertina player. Hayes began playing the fiddle at the age of seven and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. He was influenced by the playing of his father and other traditional Irish musicians, including Paddy Canny, Paddy Fahey, and Tommy Potts. Hayes also drew inspiration from other genres of music, including jazz and classical music. In his teenage years, Hayes began performing with his father and other musicians in local pubs and at traditional music festivals. He also began to develop his own unique style of playing, which combined traditional Irish music with elements of jazz and classical music. In 1985, Hayes formed the group, The Gloaming, with fellow musicians Dennis Cahill, Sean Og Graham, and Iarla O Lionaird. The group quickly gained a following for their innovative approach to traditional Irish music, which incorporated elements of jazz and classical music. The Gloaming has since become one of the most popular and critically acclaimed traditional Irish music groups in the world. Hayes has also released several solo albums, including "Under the Moon" (1995), "Martin Hayes" (1999), and "Welcome Here Again" (2008). His solo work has been praised for its virtuosity and emotional depth. Throughout his career, Hayes has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to traditional Irish music. In 1993, he was awarded the prestigious National Entertainment Award by the Irish government. He has also been awarded the Gradam Ceoil (Irish Music Award) for Musician of the Year three times, in 1997, 2003, and 2008. Hayes has performed at some of the world's most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Royal Albert Hall in London. He has also collaborated with a wide range of musicians from different genres, including jazz pianist Bill Frisell and classical violinist Joshua Bell. In addition to his work as a performer and composer, Hayes is also a dedicated teacher and has taught traditional Irish music at several universities and music schools. He has also conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world, sharing his knowledge and passion for traditional Irish music with students of all ages and backgrounds. Hayes' contributions to traditional Irish music have been significant, and his innovative approach to the genre has helped to bring it to a wider audience. His virtuosic playing and emotional depth have earned him a place among the greatest fiddlers in the world, and his influence on the genre will be felt for generations to come.

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