Born in the hinterlands of Newmarket, County Cork and raised in
a family where music was not just a hobby but a way of life. Cutting
his musical teeth at the age of four, Liam graduated easily on
to the world stage. He is an All-Ireland champion. He also won
the Beamish & Crawford award for best all-round musician from
Cómhaltas Ceolteoirí Éireann.
After years
of playing and performing in Ireland, Liam was sought after by
Michael Flatley to join "Lord of the Dance". He subsequently
played on the soundtrack for the original show and it's successor
"Feet of Flames". At the same time Liam signed a major
deal with M.C.A. Records. The first fruit of the arrangement was
the release of his debut L.P. with Lisa Aherne called The Awakening.
The record was met with universal critical approval and was nominated
for an I.M.R.A. award.
Over the
last few years Liam has played and performed with many artists
including Chris Rea. He is as much at home with musical genres
such as Bebop Jazz and Soul as he is with the Irish tradition.
A quick glance through his record collection reveals everybody
from the soundtracks of Bernard Herrman to the scintillating dynamics
of Van Morrisson and Pat Metheney. He is also a music teacher.
Later this year Liam hopes to complete work on an album of ambient
piano music with composer Mike Post (Hill Street Blues and Law
& Order) which has been influenced by the work of Eric Satie
and Brian Eno. Not the type of musical company that one would
expect a traditional Irish player to be keeping, but for Liam
O' Connor, pushing the boundaries is his raison-d'être.
It's something he has done for years and will undoubtedly continue
to do so.
Lisa Aherne
is a singer blessed with an awesome vocal range and dexterity.
Her ability to re-interpret and adapt material is unmatched. She
breathes life into every song that she approaches. To be able
to make material live and swing is no easy task but it's one which
Lisa does with aplomb.
From Boherbue,
County Cork, Lisa started singing at a very early age. The local
church was the scene of some of her earliest performances. Lisa
was also influenced by almost everybody from Bessie Smith to Rosemary
Clooney. No copyist, Lisa's style is entirely her own and her
style also won her many competitions and prizes. She first started
performing with Liam O' Connor in 1989 and their musical partnership
has gone from strength to strength. Lisa continues to explore
new musical avenues and genres.
