Colman Connolly playing the uilleann pipes

About

Colman grew up in London where he was taught to play uilleann pipes, flute and whistle from an early age. He was very involved in the Irish scene there until 2005 when he moved over to Ireland where he lived for four years teaching whistle, flute and pipes, recording, playing music with a wedding band and session work. He was also one of the principal teachers at the London Pipes Club for many years where he taught one to one tuition and group tuition. He won the Uilleann Piper of the Year competition in 2002, becoming a finalist at the Irish Musician of the Year competition held at Hammersmith Irish Centre and was given the title of All Britain Champion on the pipes two years in a row.

In 2005 he formed a band with Tobias Kurig; bouzouki and Franziska Urton; fiddle. Together they created the album Blue Since then, the band has expanded and the other members are Emily Spiers; lead vocals and Rebecca McCarthy Kent; fiddle. You can see what they're up to by clicking here

He is also part of a duo with harpist Harriet Earis and plays on her solo album 'Jumping Ahead'. Along with Harriet, Colman has also formed part of the London-based 6-piece Irish ceilidh band Siansa since 1997. The two of them also recorded tracks on the album by London-Irish singer Helen Roche which was launched at the 2004 Return to London Town Festival. Whilst at the 2003 Frankie Kennedy Weekend in Gweedore, Donegal, Colman met the German Band Déirin Dé and in 2004 started touring and recording with them. He has also strayed into the punk scene with his uilleann pipes when he was asked to record on D.S.A's debut album.