Martin Hayes: live at KOKO

Martin Hayes is regarded as one of the most significant talents to emerge in the world of Irish traditional music, having founded the seminal Irish-American supergroup The Gloaming. The concept of Common Ground Ensemble, his latest project, emerged gradually in recent years while producing and curating concerts for various festivals, often bringing together fresh collaborations and forming special ensembles for these events.

Martin aimed to create an ensemble of musicians from different backgrounds who also have connections to Irish music – the common ground of their name. The line-up to compliment Martin on fiddle includes Cormac McCarthy (piano, ‘Cottage Evolution’), Kate Ellis (cello, Artistic Director of Crash Ensemble), Kyle Sanna (guitar, a collaborator with Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile) and Brian Donnellan (bouzouki / harmonium / concertina, and, like Hayes, an alumnus of The Tulla Céilí Band).

Collectively they possess a wealth of talent spanning the worlds of traditional Irish music, cutting edge contemporary classical, jazz improvisation and experimental music. In The Common Ground Ensemble all of these genres are interwoven with the core elements of the tradition in a way that also gives each musician’s remarkable talents the space to shine.

After sold-out shows at the Barbican, EartH, and Union Chapel, Martin and the ensemble reunite for a one-off UK show to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in London. He adds, “I want this to be the most fun I can have while I’m on stage.”