Bio
Download PDFThe real essence of "Men of Worth" is found in their live performances. It's clear that after thirty years these two are still enjoying what they do. They're funny guys - not only expert musicians but extremely engaging performers; spiking their traditional tunes with wonderfully told tales about their homelands and plenty of unscripted comic interplay. There is passion in their performance; when they play, you can sense the delight they find in the music.
In 1986 Scotsman Donnie Macdonald and Irishman James Keigher came together to perform Scottish and Irish Folk music, combining traditional and contemporary styles.
The name "Men of Worth" was chosen from the title of a Scottish Folk song written by the legendary Scots singer/songwriter Archie Fisher.
Donnie Macdonald comes from the Isle of Lewis, one of the Hebridean Islands off the west
coast of Scotland. Writing tunes and original songs in both his first language Gaelic and in
English, Donnie presents the music from his native Scotland with passion and humour.
Donnie performs on vocals, octave mandolin, tenor banjo, concertina, and bodhran.
James Keigher comes from Co. Mayo in the west of Ireland. He is a singer, writer and collector of traditional and contemporary folk music. James was raised in Charlestown, a small rural community, steeped in traditional music and stories. He performs on vocals, guitar, mando-cello, and bodhran.
Together, Men of Worth blend their voices with harmony and support their collection of songs with their varied selection of instruments. They have a very simple approach to their presentation, and in keeping with tradition, remain true to the music and stories. Their show is a unique combination of humor, exciting tunes, and soulful, heartfelt ballads.
They have earned respect and success through decades of touring both nationally and internationally. Critics praise Men of Worth especially for their authenticity; while both sing in English, Donnie also sings in his first language, Scots Gaelic and James in Irish Gaelic. Performing concerts, festivals, outreach in schools (K-12) and having recorded eleven albums to date on their own label, Donnie and James continue the very tradition from which they evolved.
(vocals, mando-cello, concertina, octave mandolin, bodhran, banjo and guitar)
www.menofworth.com
In 1986 Scotsman Donnie Macdonald and Irishman James Keigher came together to perform Scottish and Irish Folk music, combining traditional and contemporary styles.
The name "Men of Worth" was chosen from the title of a Scottish Folk song written by the legendary Scots singer/songwriter Archie Fisher.
Donnie Macdonald comes from the Isle of Lewis, one of the Hebridean Islands off the west
coast of Scotland. Writing tunes and original songs in both his first language Gaelic and in
English, Donnie presents the music from his native Scotland with passion and humour.
Donnie performs on vocals, octave mandolin, tenor banjo, concertina, and bodhran.
James Keigher comes from Co. Mayo in the west of Ireland. He is a singer, writer and collector of traditional and contemporary folk music. James was raised in Charlestown, a small rural community, steeped in traditional music and stories. He performs on vocals, guitar, mando-cello, and bodhran.
Together, Men of Worth blend their voices with harmony and support their collection of songs with their varied selection of instruments. They have a very simple approach to their presentation, and in keeping with tradition, remain true to the music and stories. Their show is a unique combination of humor, exciting tunes, and soulful, heartfelt ballads.
They have earned respect and success through decades of touring both nationally and internationally. Critics praise Men of Worth especially for their authenticity; while both sing in English, Donnie also sings in his first language, Scots Gaelic and James in Irish Gaelic. Performing concerts, festivals, outreach in schools (K-12) and having recorded eleven albums to date on their own label, Donnie and James continue the very tradition from which they evolved.
(vocals, mando-cello, concertina, octave mandolin, bodhran, banjo and guitar)
www.menofworth.com
