It was 11 a.m. in Atlanta when I called Paddy Moloney for our scheduled telephone interview. It’s not that there was a big time difference between us, but it’s worth noting because the sun was just setting over Ireland when Paddy answered the phone with a “top o’ the morning to ya” tone of voice.
Moloney, the remaining founding member of The Chieftains, a band hailed for putting traditional Irish music in the spotlight, is 70 years old. But his voice belies that fact. He sounds like an energetic, young soul that could beat you in a sprint over the rolling hills of Ireland. Or Atlanta, as the case may be: The Chieftains will play the Fox Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 28.
Since 1962, The Chieftains have produced 46 albums, received numerous nominations, won six Grammys and, as Moloney added, chuckling, “an Oscar to boot!” In 2003, Billboard named them the top world music group of the year.
My first question was: “For those out there who may not know who The Chieftains are, what would you say to them about the band?” After a pause, Moloney replied, “Oh. Gosh. You either hate us or you love us, and if you love us, you’ll never put the record down.” Then he smiled.
Yes, an audible smile over the phone. You’ll just have to trust me.
With this quiet, simple statement, Moloney captured the essence of their popularity. It would be a mistake to pigeonhole their music in the Riverdance category. (Even though Michael Flatley has toured with them.) You’d also be mistaken to try and label what they do Celtic or New Age music. When I inquired about this, Moloney grimaced. Politely.
Yes. An audible grimace over the phone. You’ll just have to trust me.
His disdain was reserved for the genres’ stereotypes, however. “New Age is just a title, a thing,” he said. “And Celtic music does not always have to be a woman with vocals reaching into the ether.” It is true that The Chieftains are traditional Irish musicians, but they are not limited by those traditions. There is jazz, soul and rock in their music. Their albums feature international elements ranging from classic Chinese vocalists to Spanish music.
The Chieftains also have some unlikely fans. “Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithful attended a number of our concerts when they used to knock about,” Moloney casually mentioned. Well-known musicians, such as Van Morrison, Roger Daltry, Chet Atkins, Emmylou Harris, Roseanne Cash and Patty Loveless, have collaborated with the Irish legends, most notably on the album Further Down the old Plank Road. Perhaps the wide appeal of The Chieftains is why their work often is described as “music that gets you in the gut” and “everybody’s music.”
Moloney said the band is looking forward to their upcoming concert in Atlanta. “We had such a great reception last time. I’m not sure why we’ve waited so long to return.” With them, will come quite a caravan: Alyth McCormack on vocals, singing in both Scots-Gaelic and English; bluegrass musician Jeff White (nicknamed the sixth Chieftain by Moloney); Sharon Richardson and John Nate on fiddle (but not the same one, Nate has his own); and last, but not least, Trina Marshall, a harpist that Moloney mischievously said he stole from the symphony.
The show will be a feast for eyes as well as the ears. The Poltaske Brothers — “It’s a Polish name, but they’re as Irish as Irish can be!” Paddy insisted — will perform traditional, vibrant Irish dance. Cara Butler also will join in the festivities, possibly performing alongside some Atlanta-based dancers.
As our conversation drew to a close, Paddy mused, “I hope there’s a local pipe band playing with us.” He would like to employ their talents in a legendary rendition of “An Dro” for the closing number. “[It] brought the house down at Carnegie last time we did it,” he said. Then he added the crowd grew so frenzied, he had to slip out to avoid being blamed for any mayhem.
I’m not sure if he smiled at that or not, but I’m sure he had no problem outrunning anyone. I could hear it in his voice.
Suehyla El-Attar is a popular Atlanta-based local actress, playwright and freelance writer, but she is available to travel to wherever you need her, as long as you pay fairly well. This month, she treads the boards in Synchronicity’s Looking for the Pony, playing at 7 Stages Feb. 6-March 8.
