The new album from folk trio The Henry Girls is ‘A Time to Grow’. Released in January 2024 the record is a testament to The Henry Girls’ evolution as artists. The album is a musical journey that reflects the growth and maturity of the trio. The Henry Girls play Dolans this Saturday April 20 followed by After Show Party on Dolans Terrace.
Produced by the acclaimed Tommy McLaughlin, known for his work with influential artists such as Villagers, SOAK and Lisa O’Neil, the three McLaughlin sisters Karen, Lorna and Joleen prove once again that they are one of the leading folk ensembles with their heavenly, polyphonic harmony vocals and their fresh, modern approach.
“Working with Tommy McLaughlin was a transformative experience for us,” says Karen of The Henry Girls. “This album reflects our evolution as musicians and our desire to make music that inspires and speaks to people on a deep emotional level. “
The musicians don’t think much of old braids: they have a lot of fun crossing genre boundaries. Flirt charmingly with pop, bluegrass and Americana sounds without losing sight of their great Irish folk tradition. In addition to Clannad, the musicians also count the Beach Boys among their great artistic role models!
With ‘Not Your Fight’ the Henry Girls have recorded one of the most powerful songs on the new album. The trio teamed up with singer Ríognach Conolly, who was recently named “Folk Singer Of The Year” by the BBC. The song emerged from a collaboration between Karen and Ríoghnach during their time as Artists in Residence at the Nerve Centre in Derry. “Not Your Fight is a moving message for all those who watch helplessly as the world is torn apart by incessant conflict and violence.
“The single serves as a reminder of the shared human experience and our capacity for compassion and understanding in a world too often marked by discord,” write the Henry Girls.
The trio formed as a professional music group in 2001 when Lorna and Karen returned from their time in Australia, where they had begun performing and composing songs. Joleen, the youngest of the three, was honing her skills as a promising harpist and pianist while completing her leaving certificate, making it a natural progression to join forces.
What distinguishes The Henry Girls is their unique sound, an enchanting fusion of harp, fiddle, accordion, and impeccably tight three-part harmonies. The synergy among these instruments and their ethereal vocals crafts a sonic journey that transcends borders, encapsulating the essence of their Irish heritage while embracing a universal musical ethos.
Their captivating performances have graced stages at festivals and venues worldwide, from cozy Irish pubs to sprawling international festivals, leaving audiences spellbound by their exceptional musicianship and heartfelt renditions. Through the universal language of melody and harmony, their music resonates with listeners from all walks of life, forging connections that span the globe.
Karen McLaughlin (fiddle, vocals), Lorna McLaughlin (vocals, accordion) and Joleen McLaughlin (harp, piano, vocals) live and work in their picturesque hometown of Malin, located on the Inish Eoghain peninsula in North Donegal where, by the way that is also where Clannad come from. There must be something special in the air in that beautiful part of the world.
