Enda's gift for composition combined with his ability to seek out similar gems from his contemporaries makes this quite a remarkable and varied collection of tunes.
For a tune to come to life and stand out from the crowd, it needs to be played by a master musician who believes in every single sweet note being played. Enda Seery has respect, passion, understanding and virtuosity in spades and that's clearly evident throughout 'Raining Notes'. He's created something special here and I'm sure that this third solo album from Enda will cement his place within the tradition.
Kevin Crawford
As I sit here in the sunshine of evening, with the notes of Enda’s soulful music ringing in my ears, and as the birds sing in joyful chorus all around me, it is obvious to me, that Enda Seery's music and compositions are deeply sourced in nature and the beauty he sees and hears, in all that surrounds him. His lovely slip-jig The Windway is a perfect example of this.
For me a quality artist is one who cares deeply about the "source" of this wonderful Tradition we are all so luck to share. Enda’s ability to connect with this source is very evident in every note of ‘Raining Notes’. His gratitude to all the musicians and composers from whom he garnered the music presented here is palpable, as depicted in the sleeve notes and the music itself. Be it his haunting rendition of a beautiful slow air from The Bunting Collection, or the tenderness with which he caresses the notes on that timeless old tune, The Bag of Spuds, his playing here is sublime throughout. Timing is so important in everything we do and the way in which Enda allows each note time to breathe is something rare and very special. I particularly enjoy the way in which Enda will play two or three rolls in a row, to bring to the attention of the listener the importance of that single moment in time.
My sincere congratulations to Enda and to Aidan Guilfoyle and John Byrne for their work on this splendid recording. ‘Raining Notes’ is a keeper, and Enda Seery's music and compositions will live long and forever amidst the sunshine and the showers.
Maurice Lennon
released September 1, 2018
Enda Seery (all tracks): flutes D, Eb, F & C, whistles D, Eb, C, B & Bb, piano and pads.
John Byrne (tracks 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 13): guitar and banjo.
Aidan Guilfoyle (tracks 1, 4, 6, 8, 10): double bass.
Tracks 1, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 13 recorded live.
Recorded, mixed and mastered by Aidan Guilfoyle at Rainwater Studio, Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath.
rainwaterstudio.ie
Produced by Enda Seery, Aidan Guilfoyle and John Byrne.
Graphic design by Kevin Corbett
kcorbettdesign.com
Photography by Rob Laird
facebook.com/roblairdphotography
Portrait by Finn Harper
finnharperartwork.com