The History Of The Lee Valley String Band

Formed in Cork, Southern Ireland in 1968 by current member Chris Twomey and Niall and Colm Toner, during the heyday of the folk revival. Within a year the lineup changed with the departure of the Toners and the addition of Mick Daly, Mick 'Tana' O Brien and Mick Murphy. Other long time band members include Matt Crannich, Tommy Stevens and Henry Benagh. Pete Brennan has been with the band for nearly 30 years while newcomers Hal O'Neill, Brendan Butler and Kevin Gill have a mere ten years under their belt.

Over the years they have played at festivals all over Ireland and appeared regularly on Radio and Television.

Festivals include The Tonder Folk Festival, Denmark 2000, The Cork Folk Festival (Multiple Appearances), The Queens Folk Festival 1998, Kilkenny Rhythm & Roots Festival 2003, 2004, The Omagh Bluegrass Festival 2004 and many more.

 

 

A four track EP 'AT Last' was recorded in 1983 to celebrate the band being together 15 years.

My Dixie Darling
Don't Let Your Deal Go Down
Pig Ankle Rag
The Man In The Middle

 

Having heard the Lee Valley String Band on the album, Bringing It All Back Home, Jim Rooney, ledgendary Nashville producer, made contact with the band when he arrived in Ireland. He then made an offer to produce the bands first CD 'Corner Boys'

 

"Corner Boys" was released in 1998 to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the band. It was recorded live, more or less, over a two day period. It contains over 70 minutes of music.

 

The band have appeared on several TV show's including:

As I Roved Out, BBC northern Ireland
Live from the Opera House, RTE
Sult, Humming Bird, Independent shown on RTE & TG4
The Late Late Show, RTE
Other Voices 3, Songs From A Room, 2005

 

The Lee Valley play a session in the Corner House, Coburg Street, Cork, every Monday night. We have had many guests over the years including Tim O'Brien, Mark Shatz, Darrol Scott, Jim Rooney, Roger Green & blues guitar player Steve James.

Their continuing love affair with Bluegrass and Old Time is a tribute to the ability of this music to transcend boundaries, whether they be geographical, cultural or musical.

Purchase The Lee Valley CD 'Corner Boys'.

To Purchase this CD
In Ireland the cost is 15 Euros.  Postage and packaging: 5 Euros
In USA the cost is 18 Dollars plus postage and packaging.

Click Here To Purchase