MUSIC Tourmakeady trad band on the rise

WIND AND STRINGS?Three flautists and a guitar player have come together to form Seoda.

Tourmakeady trad band on the rise

Henry McGlade

Formed during this summer, Seoda from Tourmakeady are making waves in the county’s trad scene. The four piece band is comprised of Sheona and Sarah Ní MhΡille from Srah, Tourmakeady, and Clare Sanders and Paul Burgess from Cloonee, Partry.
Sheona and Sarah are exceptionally talented young musicians who both play traditional flute and whistles with great ability and energy. Sheona is currently in her third year studying music and Irish in NUI Maynooth, and Sarah is in her fifth year in ColΡiste Muire, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. They started playing from a young age in local sessions with local young musicians and were encouraged greatly by their uncle TomΡs Ó MΡille.
Both sisters received tutoring from Clare and Paul for various music exams, and at the tender ages of just 17 and 20 they already command great musicianship and are certainly two flute players to watch out for in the future. They are both very beautiful and unique singers, and their fluency in the Irish language brings an authentic yet very fresh and enthusiastic style to the band.
Paul and Clare are originally from the South of England but moved here in 2004 after many a musical visit with their UK-based band, Legacy. They have both studied and played varying styles of music over the years, but it is traditional music that is at the heart of their playing. They are also both talented writers and composers of music.
Paul’s rhythmic guitar playing is without a doubt the driving force behind Seoda. His innate capability to play in any style you could care to mention is what gives Seoda its foundation to be anything it wants to be. His vocals give the band a unique and edgy sound, and Paul brings great energy and flair with his songs and brilliant arrangements. Find out more about Paul’s music at www.paulburgess.com.
Clare Sanders is a convert to jazz and improvised music after many years of classical training, which has without question left her with great skill and versatility in handling her instrument. Her contribution to the band is a refreshing blend of contemporary flute playing mixed with a sympathetic understanding of more-traditional styles. Clare is also an accomplished vocalist and can switch from pure and ethereal ballads to blues, bluegrass and jazz. You can hear more of Clare’s songs and compositions at www.claresanders.co.uk.
After playing for a few weeks at Westport Country Lodge Hotel, Aughagower, invites have been coming in for the group to play other venues around the county. The band are also looking forward to recording their first album, which they hope to have out in time for the Christmas market.

Seoda will perform in Rocky’s Bar, Castlebar, on October 4.