Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill

Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill is the pairing of Irish fiddler Martin Hayes and American guitarist Dennis Cahill, who is born in 1954 and dies in 2022. The act is based in Chicago, United States, and is associated with Irish folk and traditional music.

Style and approach

The duo gains recognition for traditional music that also draws on elements of classical, blues and jazz. Their work is described as an Irish-American collaboration, with the guitar and fiddle combination forming the core of their sound.

Recordings

The pair releases three recordings on Green Linnet: The Lonesome Touch, Live in Seattle and Welcome Here Again. These recordings place the duo within a wider tradition of Irish instrumental performance while also reflecting their broader musical range.

Later work

Hayes and Cahill also perform as members of The Gloaming, an Irish-American group that includes singer Iarla Ó Lionáird, fiddler Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and pianist Doveman. The Gloaming’s first album wins the Meteor Choice Music Prize for Irish album of the year. Martin Hayes is also a member of Martin Hayes Quartet.