The Irish fiddle player Colm Mac Con Iomaire is probably best known for his work with the Frames.
He’s also toured extensively with Swell Season.
But, like many talented musicians in a band set-up, he’s always had that yearning to produce a solo album that reflects his personal views and vision.
Hare’s Corner – instrumental album
The result is a wonderful instrumental album called The Hare’s Corner. It features 10 tracks with Colm playing most of the instruments himself, not just the fiddle but also harmonium, banjo, bouzouki, guitars and cello.
That seems quite a range but Colm felt it would be “handier that way”
In fact, ease and comfort was part of the plan. Colm had wanted to produce the album for several years but could never find the time. Then he realised he had a month away from his gruelling touring schedule so he decided to go for it.
It was a satisfying experience and as Colm says, “it felt great to be finally giving these little ideas of mine some attention”.
Music is rich, subtle and always engaging
Although he plays most of the instruments himself, he also enlisted the help of some old mates including Karl Odlum on bass. Odlum also produced the album.
The album was recorded in a mobile home behind Colm’s home in Wexford. It meant he could be with his family – a major consideration when you spend so much time on the road.
It’s a little unconventional but it seems to have worked because the sense of peace, ease and relaxation comes across on every track on the album. The music is rich, subtle and always engaging. You can just set this playing, lay back and drift away.
Colm was born into musical family in Dublin. He was surrounded by Irish music and sean nos singers throughout his childhood. He continues to play with both the Frames and Swell Season.
Incidentally, the Hare’s Corner was a small corner of a field left uncut by farmers at harvest time so hares would have a place to hide and shelter.
The album, Hare’s Corner by Colm Mac Con Iomaire, is released on 16th May on the Plateau Records label.