Biography
Dublin-born vocalist Susan McKeown, now based in New York and pronounced “mick-yone,” merges Ireland’s longstanding vocal traditions with a contemporary urban edge. Fronting her ensemble the Chanting House, her alto has drawn parallels to June Tabor, Chrissie Hynde, Sarah McLachlan, Grace Slick, and Sandy Denny; Time magazine characterized her work as “the kind of music that will link Ireland’s musical past with its future.”
After moving to the United States in 1990 on a scholarship to New York City’s American Musical and Dramatic Academy, McKeown quickly gained notice for her expressive singing and energetic stage presence. The Chanting House began as a vehicle for refreshed traditional Irish material, founded by McKeown together with Eileen Ivers and Seamus Egan; following the latter pair’s departure in 1993, the group gradually incorporated modern rock textures.
Although two early self-released cassettes, Chanting House Live and Snakes, appeared in the first half of the decade, the band reached a fuller identity with the 1996 album Bones, issued by 1-800-PRIME-CD. In 1997 McKeown joined Chanting House bassist, bass-clarinetist, and tin-whistle player Lindsey Horner for the seasonal collection Through the Bitter Frost and Snow. That same year she served as featured vocalist in the Obie-winning production Peter and Wendy, performing Johnny Cunningham’s score at Los Angeles’s Geffen Theater in December and on the subsequent Alula cast recording.
The second McKeown–Chanting House release, Bushes & Briars, arrived in 1998 and included contributions from Cunningham, Andy Irvine, Jerry O’Sullivan, and returning member Egan. Also in 1998 McKeown issued Mighty Rain on Depth of Field. The following year North Star released Mother: Celebration of Mothers & Motherhood, a collaboration among McKeown, Cathie Ryan, and Robin Spielberg. Green Linnet brought out Lowlands in fall 2000. On her own Sheila-na-Gig imprint McKeown issued A Winter Talisman in 2001, accompanied by Cunningham and Aidan Brennan, then self-released Prophecy in 2002. World Village presented Sweet Liberty in 2004 and Blackthorn: Irish Love Songs in 2006.
After moving to the United States in 1990 on a scholarship to New York City’s American Musical and Dramatic Academy, McKeown quickly gained notice for her expressive singing and energetic stage presence. The Chanting House began as a vehicle for refreshed traditional Irish material, founded by McKeown together with Eileen Ivers and Seamus Egan; following the latter pair’s departure in 1993, the group gradually incorporated modern rock textures.
Although two early self-released cassettes, Chanting House Live and Snakes, appeared in the first half of the decade, the band reached a fuller identity with the 1996 album Bones, issued by 1-800-PRIME-CD. In 1997 McKeown joined Chanting House bassist, bass-clarinetist, and tin-whistle player Lindsey Horner for the seasonal collection Through the Bitter Frost and Snow. That same year she served as featured vocalist in the Obie-winning production Peter and Wendy, performing Johnny Cunningham’s score at Los Angeles’s Geffen Theater in December and on the subsequent Alula cast recording.
The second McKeown–Chanting House release, Bushes & Briars, arrived in 1998 and included contributions from Cunningham, Andy Irvine, Jerry O’Sullivan, and returning member Egan. Also in 1998 McKeown issued Mighty Rain on Depth of Field. The following year North Star released Mother: Celebration of Mothers & Motherhood, a collaboration among McKeown, Cathie Ryan, and Robin Spielberg. Green Linnet brought out Lowlands in fall 2000. On her own Sheila-na-Gig imprint McKeown issued A Winter Talisman in 2001, accompanied by Cunningham and Aidan Brennan, then self-released Prophecy in 2002. World Village presented Sweet Liberty in 2004 and Blackthorn: Irish Love Songs in 2006.
Albums
Prophecy
2006
A Winter Talisman
2001
Lowlands
2000
Bushes & Briars
1998
Though the Bitter Frost and Snow
1997
Bones
1995
Singles
