Dónal Lunny's Atlantic Arc collective share rework of folk ballad ‘My Son David’

Atlantic Arc is a collaboration between musicians from Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland under the direction of a renowned Irish folk singer-songwriter Dónal Lunny. Since its foundation in 2016, the artists were seen on various stages across the country - including Cork Folk Festival and Celtic Connections. Through the years they experimented within the traditional genre, leading to record ‘My Son David’.

"The heart of this music is found in the Celtic countries along the arc of the Atlantic seaboard, from the west of Ireland to the coast of Galicia and expressing it in fresh ways that link it into contemporary music," said Dónal Lunny.

The group involves Aidan O’Rourke on fiddle, Sharon Howley on cello, Davie Ryan on drums, Ewen Vernal on bass, Graham Henderson on keyboards, Jarlath Henderson on vocals, guitars pipes and whistles, Pádraig Rynne on concertina, Pauline Scanlon on vocals, and Dónal Lunny on bouzouki and guitar. All instruments work in sync with each other showcasing a magical world if traditional Irish music through a modern lens.

‘My Son David’ is a rework of an 18th century folk song that was first recorded by Scottish singer Jeannie Robertson in '50s. It is a gloomy murder ballad written in the dialogue form between a son and his mother. The diversity of Atlantic Arc and their unique approach towards traditional music allows it to sound like an original piece.

The single was recorded by Atlantic Arc and engineered by Martin O’Malley just before the COVID outbreak. The ensemble was already planning on a studio album recording when the crisis begun. Now, a year later, they are hoping to resume rehearsing and continue working on the new album in early summer.

"We sustain the determination to record our music because of the creative chemistry that makes this combination of artists very special. So, we have decided to launch a Kickstarter campaign to fund our debut album. It will enable us to come together long enough to record an album that will capture the unique spirit of the music which we love," announced the musical group leader Dónal Lunny.

Buy ‘My Son David’ on Bandcamp here and support Atlantic Arc and their upcoming debut album on Kickstarter.

Listen to ‘My Son David’ below: