Stars join forces for special version of The Galway Shawl

Ladies and gentlemen: Liam O’Connor

Killarney-based accordion maestro Liam O’Connor has teamed up with popular country star Mike Denver to record a very special version of the classic ballad The Galway Shawl which is on release now.

The recording of the Irish gem lasts a generous five minutes and features Liam’s distinctive accordion accompaniment as well as a stellar solo from him.

Mike’s vocals are as confident and as expressive as his ever-growing legion of fans expect from him.

According to O’Connor, working with such a supreme professional a special privilege.

Mike Denver is one of the most accomplished country stars in Ireland

“As a Galway man himself, he seemed to go the extra yard for this recording and I’m really delighted that our musical collaboration doesn’t end there.

“Since completing the recording Mike has invited me to be his special guest at his concert at the Cork Opera House on March 2 and again at The Millennium Forum Theatre in Derry, on April 5,” he said.

For the recording the two were accompanied by a band of first-class musicians, including Bill Shanley, who recently played a sell-out tour with Gilbert O’Sullivan, on bouzouki, Kevin Roe (acoustic guitar), Tabitha Benedict (mandolin), David Benedict (banjo), Niall Murphy (fiddle), Stephen Doherty (whistle), drummer Ronan Nolan, Frankie Colohan (backing vocals) and Peter Maher (keyboards).

O’Connor also seems to revel in playing with exciting artists from different musical genres having turned in vintage performances with such quality artists as flute-player Mike McGoldrick, Christy Hennessy, Moya Brennan, the Artane Band, Boy George and Tony Hadley of Spandau Ballet.

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