Rufous Nightjar
Beautiful harmonies from Rufous Nightjar
Listening to Rufous Nightjar and our Hobbledehoy ears hear echoes of The Fleetwoods and the Roche sisters – which is a splendid thing indeed! Rufous Nightjar is a three-part harmony trio consisting of Branwen Kavanagh, Anna Mieke and Zoe Basha. This lovely video is a product of the uber-talented Myles O’Reilly
Rufous Nightjar’s Zoé Basha solos on “Dublin Street Corners”
“The Dublin-based French-American singer and guitarist’s heart is in the Appalachian mountains – but her songs swim from country to blues and French chanson” – The Guardian
Rufous Nightjar release debut album “Songs for Three Voices”
By Saoirse Murphy
Rufous Nightjar, a harmonious trio comprising Branwen Kavanagh, Anna Bishop, and Zoé Basha, release their inaugural album, “Songs for Three Voices”. The group’s journey traces back to a serendipitous encounter within Dublin’s underground traditional and folk music scene. After years of intersecting musical endeavours, the trio solidified their collaboration during a transformative exploration of Eastern European folk melodies in 2018.
The genesis of their debut album, “Songs for Three Voices”, finds its roots in the creative energy fostered during the pandemic-induced lockdown. Branwen Kavanagh, the creative force behind the compositions, delved into themes of mythology, folklore, and the ethereal realms, crafting a collection of a cappella melodies. Collaborating with Anna and Zoé, the trio embarked on an artistic odyssey, culminating in a tapestry of harmonies rich in tradition and emotion.
Their musical odyssey garnered widespread acclaim, with notable appearances on esteemed platforms such as Other Voices and the National Concert Hall. Rufous Nightjar’s performances captivated audiences across Ireland, leading to two sold-out tours and recognition on prominent media outlets, including Donal Dineen’s “Make me an Island” Podcast and RTE Radio 1’s Arena. Renowned Irish videographer Myles O Reilly further immortalized their artistry with a visually stunning creation filmed at Kilruddery house.
With an ethos rooted in communal expression, Rufous Nightjar extends an invitation to embrace and share their music. They envision their songs echoing through kitchens, pubs, and firesides, fostering connection and celebration of folk traditions. To commemorate this album, the trio released a limited run of 100 vinyl records of “Songs for Three Voices”, available now exclusively via Bandcamp.
As Rufous Nightjar takes flight with the debut album, “Songs for Three Voices”, their harmonious melodies promise to enchant listeners and leave an indelible mark on the rich tapestry of folk music.
Source: Rufous Nightjar release debut album “Songs for Three Voices”