The Poor Clares
Betsy
McGovern' a Washington native
now spreading the Celtic gospel in Louisiana, Betsy McGovern's voice can chill
as easily as it caresses. Therefore she handles up-tempo songs with relish.
The slower songs she invests with a quiet authority, and they in turn become
things of shimmering beauty. A wondrous voice of pure and untarnished beauty,
she is capable of moving mountains with a voice like this."Her voice has
also earned praise from around the world. A couple of years
ago, Paul McCartney was strolling by OFlaherty's Pub in New Orleans and heard
Betsy singing and came in and listened to her entire set, purchasing a CD on
his way out. He told Betsy she was a "breath of fresh air"!
Read about it on Betsy's web page at www.betsymcgovern.com
Patrick
OFlaherty is a talented
multi instrumentalist. A native of Connemara, Ireland, Patrick is part
of a selct group of people who's native tongue is Gaelic. Today
he is acknowledged as one of the truly fine practitioners of Irish mandolin
and harmonica. He is also a highly respected player of the button accordion
and banjo. Patrick is one of the few composers today writing original songs in
Gaelic. His professional music career has spanned nearly three decades. During
this time he performed with two excellent bands, The Celtic Folk and The Poor
Clares, whose second album, "Change of Habit," reached the
national charts. He has played in a multitude of venues including the National
Press Club, the D.C. mall on Solidarity Day, Notre Dame University, the
National Geographic Concert Series, the Milwaukee Irish Festival, and the New
Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. He played on the island of St. Maarten in
the Caribbean and he plays the music on the documentary at Antietam
Battlefield. He has also performed for a variety of notable audiences
including Pope John Paul II, President Reagan, President Herzog of Israel, and
Speaker of the House, Tip O'Neill. Check out Pat's website at www.poflaherty.com
Justin
Murphy has
been playing music professionally for the last eleven years. During that time,
he has distinguished himself as one of the most talented Irish flute players
in the country. Dirty Linen Magazine gave Justin a glowing review of his solo
album, "Mana", and noted him as "...one of the best flute
players around." In addition to his wizardry on the flute, tin whistles
and low whistles, Justin is also a talented guitar player, singer and bodhran
player. Read more about justin at
The Poor Clares have three recordings, one of which, Change
of Habit , rose to number 26 on the national Folk/Roots music charts.
Check out some critics quotes below:
"The US Folk Scene can count themselves very fortunate to enjoy the sweet voice and amazing range of songs of the lovely Betsy McGovern: I only wish she's think about moving to Europe!"
Derek J. Oliver, Bagman, The Thameside Mummers (Essex, UK)"We were just passing by and heard your voice, and wanted to come in and see who it was. You're a breath of fresh air." Paul McCartney, summer 2002
"I listened to [your CD] and was dazzled and just had to write and tell you that it's wonderful. I mean really, really wonderful." Bill Bryson, Author (private correspondence, May 19, 1997)
"The incomparable Betsy McGovern sings some terrific ballads with her big, full voice and backs it with robust guitar." (Steve Winick, Dirty Linen Magazine, August/September 1997)
"Vocalist Betsy McGovern draws on her impressive folk background in the spinning of her balladry." (Gambit Weekly, April 25, 2000)
"A similarilty to Joan Baez in her prime, both comforting and angelic." (OffBeat Magazine)
"First and foremost, she has a glorious singing voice. Her clear, pure sound harkens back to Judy Collins.serenely beautiful, [she] performs with first-rate vocal ability..McGovern's taste in songwriters is superb.Betsy's singing comes straight from the heart." (Sean O'Meara, OffBeat Magazine, May 1995)
"Jazz Fest Great Discovery! With her nightingale voice, McGovern and her band explore the melancholy and exuberance of Irish Folk music." (Lagniappe/Times-Picayune, May 5, 1995)