Rita Connolly - Amiens

Performed by Rita Connolly on her first Solo album 'Rita Connolly' - Available for download from iTunes, Amazon, etc. - an album which served to underscore her ability to cross musical borders effortlessly, on it she included songs ranging from a sea shanty, through The Beatles to classic blues linking them all together by the simplicity and purity with which she sings. "The Vocal and instrumental accompaniment - from such luminaries as Liam O'Flynn, Davey Spillane, Mairtin O'Connor, The Voice Squad, Noel Eccles and Eoghan O'Neill - certainly strengthens and enriches this recording. While a truly great singer like Connolly could doubtless rise above uninspired accompaniment, when she's joined by Ireland's finest, well, it's simply the difference between a good album and a fantastic one.
Rita was born and raised in Dublin in a family where singing came naturally to all. She cut her teeth on the Dublin music scene at the age of 14 with two of her sisters. Three years later The Connolly Sisters made their recording debut with the McGarrigle sisters 'Heart Like a Wheel'. Thus began a long career as a performer and session singer.

It was through performing in Dublin that she met her husband Shaun Davey. For many years they worked together on recordings and TV and radio commercials, eventually broadening their horizons to include theatre and film. Rita has recorded songs for many films including 'Waking Ned' and John Boorman's film 'The Taylor of Panama'.

Rita has performed in many venues including London's Albert Hall, The Stade de France and the Chicago Symphony Centre, plus many countries including, England, Scotland, France, Germany, Spain and the United States of America.

As well as collaborations with Shaun Davey - 'Granuaile', 'The Pilgrim' and 'The Relief of Derry Symphony'- Rita has also recorded two solo albums: 'Rita Connolly', and 'Valparaiso'. She recently recorded a new anthem for the Special Olympics, composed by Shaun Davey, which will be performed at the opening ceremony in Dublin in June 2003.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Rita
• Connolly
• Shaun
• Davey
• Celtic
• Female
• Irish
• Singer
• ireland
• song
• original
• dublin
• folk
• songwriter
• acoustic
• artist
• original song

[nolicnotrut]

Sorry to be 'picky', but I have just bought the album 'Valparaiso' from Amazon.

'Amiens' is not there. Have I missed something?

I do have 'Amiens' on her album simply entitled 'Rita Connolly' (1992) - track 9.

I really enjoy the music of Davey/Connolly, and it's great to find it in the public domain, so, thank you.

By the way, have you come across 'The Brendan Voyage' by Shaun Davey, that includes some exquisite piping by Liam O'Flynn?

Granuaile is my heroine!

[Taramusicdotcom]

@nolicnotrut Apologies for that This track as you rightly pointed out is in fact to be found on the self-titled 'Rita Connolly' album and not Valparaiso as earlier refereed to.

[Taramusicdotcom]

Three Rita Connolly solo albums available

1. "Rita Connolly" 2. "Valparaiso" 3. "Granuaile"

Available from:

CelticMusicUSA

1125 Windsor Way, Mustang, OK 73064-2121

Tel: 888-482-3584 or 405-376-6722

[folkmusicgirl]

Do you know how many albums Rita has released under her name as a solo artist?

Cannot find them in California even at music stores that carry Irish folk music.

Thanks

[Taramusicdotcom]

@folkmusicgirl Rita's two solo albums as well as a number of albums featuring Rita are now available to download from iTunes, Amazon and other major download stores.

[jenson7720]

Just heard this singer for the first time on RTE for M.Higgin's inauguration...WOW really beautiful voice.I loved the subtle interpretation of the hymn "Christ beside me"???...The choir also wonderful and the harmonies exquisite.

[nolicnotrut]

@Taramusicdotcom Thank you, I'm not going senile after all!

[SacredCandleChild]

Amazing! Better than Lady Gaga!

[soeffingwhat]

I love her Voice, and she's very Cute too. I remember seeing her performing the Pilgrim in the National Concert Hall in Dublin in the early 80's. I was only 10 or 11 Years old at the Time, but I had a huge Crush on her that night lol! :-D

[wakinunu]

any copies of Rita's rare song Teardrops (or Tears) about? Was used for old weepie called Teardrops

[dwearen]

I agree, Sissel is SOOO like Rita Connolly!!  Maybe its the viking blood..LOL