Nightnoise

Nightnoise emerged from a fusion of Celtic traditions, jazz improvisation, and classical chamber textures that defined the ensemble’s signature voice. Irish guitarist Mícháel Ó Domhnaill, already known through Skara Brae and the Bothy Band, formed an initial duo with classically trained American violinist Billy Oskay soon after Ó Domhnaill settled in Portland. A demo created by the pair evolved into the band’s debut album once clavinet player Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill and flute player Brian Dunning were added. Tríona, Mícháel’s sister, had previously worked with him in Skara Brae, the Bothy Band, and Relativity, the latter also featuring Scottish fiddler Johnny Cunningham and his brother Phil on accordion and keyboards. Ireland-born Dunning had first pursued classical and jazz flute before turning to traditional folk music alongside the group Puck Fair. Following Oskay’s departure after the fourth album, Johnny Cunningham’s arrival brought an extra edge through his expressive fiddling. Cunningham himself left after the 1997 release of The White Horse Sessions and was succeeded by John Fitzpatrick. In the late ’90s the group relocated to Ireland and began weekly appearances on the RT1 Dublin program Brid Live. They later supplied instrumental support for Japanese vocalist Mimori Yusa on her album Mimori Yusa Meets Irish Superstars. Windham Hill marked the band’s legacy in 2006 with the best-of anthology Pure Nightnoise.