With a name aptly deriving from the old Irish for a grand master of a skill, the olllam is a transatlantic collective of formidable talent, marrying stunning instrumental virtuosity, Irish tradition, and Detroit’s post-rock psych-sensibility. Their genre-defying compositions are lush with cyclical trance-like melodies, co-written by Belfast uilleann piper/whistle player John McSherry, his US protégé Tyler Duncan, and master-drummer Michael Shimmin, whose intricate rhythms are then underpinned in recording by the bass-playing genius of Joe Dart. Their 2012 eponymous debut album is something of a cult classic.
the olllam has toured as a live collective augmented by additional master collaborators, including Dart’s Vulfpeck bandmates Theo Katzman and Woody Goss. Since the recording and release of long-awaited follow-up album elllegy, which saw the olllam named as RTE Radio Best Group at 2022’s Folk Awards, the band has featured Seán O'Meara on guitar and Joe Hettinga on keys.
Does anyone know if the ollam made this tune or if it was already a traditional tune? If it is a traditional tune, where can i find the notes. I would love to learn it
Such a good documentary! The Olllam has been a regular spin for years (and I still haven't mastered the timing for the intro for Devilll For My Hurt 😂) and I'm currently obsessed with Elllegy. Wonderful to see behind the scenes of the project.
this girl i was really close to broke off, and it was during that time of grief that i was first introduced to this song.. Almost a year later now and every time i hear it, it gives me these chills of nostalgia and it's an indescribable feeling... all the emotions that this song made me feel; the warmth, the uplifting joy, but also the mellow tones. absolutely amazing. Surreal experience
This song is what a pilgrim would make if they were sent to the future and went to a Radiohead concert and then went back in time to create music for the other pilgrims. I love it
Really appreciate these videos explaining the band's perspective on each song. The music speaks for itself, but it's interesting to hear regardless. Looking forward to more from the new album!
What an achievement guys and what a perfect time to release this single. It says a lot about a release when you can whole heartedly say that this will most likely be the source of my happiness this year. Well done
I've been a long fan of your music. I wanted to back this project but I was trying to start a family and transition into a civilian career. Meeting Tyler at UL years ago had a profound meaning on my life as an artist. If anyone out there hasn't listened to the olllam then they're biffin' it. Played my own version of of Bridge of Glllass with a DnB sound and got the cords cut at a battle of the bands at a club in Limerick. I guess it was too wild!
