About

Catharine Kingcome is best known in Ireland and the diaspora as a painter of narrative portraits of leading Irish musicians, especially fiddle players. Lesser known is that she is also an accomplished fiddle player herself. Martin Hayes says of her album:

"I've known Catharine for many years as a painter of traditional Irish music themes and people. I was aware that she also played the fiddle, though I had always assumed it was something she pursued casually. What a lovely surprise, then, to hear her debut recording and discover that she is a very fine fiddle player. Not only a fine fiddler, but a musician of real taste and deep understanding of the tradition, evident in her thoughtful tune choices and sensitive interpretations. This is a warm, authentic recording of traditional Irish fiddle playing."

The book is about her artistic journey, featuring 25 of her best known paintings from 1988–2000. The album celebrates her musical journey, and features many of the tunes that directly inspired the paintings. Together they create a unique project celebrating Ireland's musical heritage.

She is accompanied on the album, and at the launch, by renowned and highly respected bouzouki and fiddle player Mick Conneely.