LL25 - the 25th Anniversary Album from The London Lasses  - now available!

“There is great life and energy in the music from start to finish and it’s wonderful to see past members joining the current group for this celebratory recording.” Neansaí Ní Choisdealbha, Head of Music, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta

The London Lasses are excited to announce the release of their 25th anniversary album, LL25. Featuring all-new material and including both past and present band members, the recording celebrates the band’s musical journey over the past quarter-century and showcases the powerfully traditional signature sound which they´ve become known for.

The album spans four centuries of Irish music, from ‘Planxty Thomas Burke’ penned by the harper-composer Carolan (1670-1738) to newly composed tunes by concertina player Edel Fox, flute player Tommy Fitzharris and harper Michael Rooney. Captivatingly sung by vocalist Bróna McVittie, the album´s four songs include the beautiful ´Bánchnoic Éireann Ó (The Fair Hills of Ireland)´, a song in praise of Ireland dating from the 1700s.

LL25 is also a celebration of both the close-knit group of musicians who have been part of the Lasses’ story so far, and the long history of traditional Irish music in London, a rich cultural heritage which they are extremely proud to be part of. As band leader Karen Ryan, Director of the annual Return to London Town Festival and one of the leading lights of traditional Irish music in London, says: “This album is one that’s very close to my heart. It brings together 16 wonderful musicians and brings back a lifetime’s worth of musical memories and friendships.”

Since first getting together for an informal tour of the US in 1997, The London Lasses have performed at some of the biggest festivals and venues in the world including the Royal Albert Hall in London, where they played the first ever BBC Proms céilí, Cambridge Folk Festival, Dublin City Hall, the Concertgebouw, Philadelphia Irish Festival and Glastonbury.

From mellifluous vocals to lively instrumentals, The London Lasses invite you to join them on this special musical journey and experience the beauty and richness of traditional Irish music. The band is planning a series of live performances in the UK and Ireland to celebrate the release.

Track list

01. JIGS: Caves of Kiltannon, The New Home, The Clare Shout

02. REELS: Dandy Dinny Cronin, Moving In Old Decency, Ballintore Fancy, Over The Bridge To Peggy

03. SONG: Rathfriland on the Hill

04. Planxty Thomas Burke

05. JIGS, REELS: The Woods of Caolrua, Dancing Eyes, The Crock of Gold, The White Fairy

06. SONG: Bánchnoic Éireann Ó

07. MARCHES: Jamesy Gannon’s, Triumphal March

08. REELS: The Leitrim Rover, The Punchbowl

09. SONG: The Blackbird of Mullaghmore

10: BARNDANCE, REEL: Peach Blossoms, The Sunny Banks

11. SLIP JIGS: Séamus Connolly’s Favourite, Gort Na Móna, The Night Before Larry Was Stretched

12. REELS: Martin Wynne’s No. 4, The Curlew, Nana Jo’s

13. SONG: Sweet Portaferry

14. REELS: The Culfadda, Farewell to London, Rossmore Jetty

Available for purchase as a physical CD or as a download, via Bandcamp

The London Lasses

Facebook: @thelondonlasses