The Olllam

The Olllam is an Irish-American trio formed by Belfast-born uilleann piper John McSherry and Detroit musicians Tyler Duncan and Michael Shimmin. The group’s name comes from the ollam bards of Irish tradition, and its music combines Irish instrumental elements with post-rock, folk and jazz-influenced crossover ideas.

Formation and style

The three musicians work across the Atlantic divide and build their music remotely, rehearsing and composing together online before assembling the tracks. Their first album is self-titled and is made up of seven instrumental pieces. The group avoids the usual jig and reel forms associated with Irish traditional music, instead using verse, pre-chorus and bridge structures and aiming for melodies that are simple, memorable and narrative in shape.

Members

John McSherry performs on uilleann pipes and whistles. He is a founding member of Lúnasa, has worked with At First Light, and had a period with Donal Lunny’s Coolfin. He also has a wide range of other collaborations, including work with Ornette Coleman and Nanci Griffith.

Tyler Duncan plays uilleann pipes, whistles, guitar and Rhodes, and Michael Shimmin plays drums and percussion. Duncan and Shimmin also work in the United States with the Irish-jazz crossover group Millish, while Duncan also performs with My Dear Disco, also known as Ella Riot. Both Duncan and Shimmin hold degrees in jazz performance.

Recording and debut album

The trio writes and records original material together, using internet-based collaboration to shape the music. Their debut album appears on Compass Records and features guest bass from Joe Dart of Vulfpeck. The record includes pieces such as “the belll” and “the follly of wisdom”, and uses gradual build, rhythmic interplay and layered instrumental arrangements.

Musical background

McSherry is described as one of the leading uilleann pipers of his generation, and has received praise from Irish Music Magazine. The Olllam brings together the members’ backgrounds in Irish traditional music, jazz performance and crossover projects to create instrumental music that sits between tradition and modern arrangement.