Irish Music The Rough Guide Matt Molloy - 'A Stor Mo Chroi The Primrose Pass....'

• published: 12 Apr 2013
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Track 13 'A Stor Mo Chroi/The Primrose Pass/Miss McGovern's Favourite' by Matt Molloy from the 1996 Irish Music The Rough Guide. Through friendship with Paddy Moloney, Matt Molloy was already familiar with the Chieftains when he joined in 1979 as one of the two non - Dubliners in the group, replacing Michael Tubridy on flute. Molloy was born in Ballaghadereen, County Roscommon, Éire, an area well known for flute players. Coming from a strong musical background, his playing is influenced by the famed Sligo tradition of flute playing. Matt began playing the flute at age 8 and by the age of 17, he had won the All-Ireland Flute Championship and had a string of successes in National Fleadh Cheoil and Oireachtas. He moved to Dublin in the early 1970's where he started playing in the traditional music scene where he became acquainted with Paddy Moloney. Molloy's first appearance with the Chieftains was at a folk festival in Edinburgh in July 1979. During the burgeoning folk scene of the 1970's, Molloy was a founding member of the famous folk-rock group, The Bothy Band. After the Bothy Band disbanded in 1978, he appeared briefly with the reformed group, Planxty recording one album with them. Molloy has released several acclaimed solo albums and has worked with other accomplished musicians. He has teamed up with Paul Brady, Tommy Peoples, Micheál Ó Súilleabháin, Dónal Lunny and the Irish Chamber Orchestra among other artists. In 2000, Molloy was awarded the first ever-prestigious TG4 National Traditional Musician Award. In addition to playing, Molloy owns a pub in Westport, County Mayo, Ireland called Matt Molloy's, where he has also recorded a live session album. His pub is well known for having sessions including many different musicians. He is best known for his breathy style and energy in his playing.