CQAF2020 Music Archives

This show has been rescheduled to Thursday 27 January, 8.00pm. More info.

Hailing from the archipelago of Orkney, composer and multi-instrumentalist Erland Cooper explores the natural world of landscape, memory, people and place. Cooper believes music often reflects the landscape a musician is surrounded with, be it rural, urban, real or imagined.

His second solo album, Sule Skerry, was released last year as the second in a triptych shaped by Orkney’s air, sea and land, as it was celebrated by Orcadian poet George Mackay Brown.

While his acclaimed first solo record Solan Goose paid homage to Orkney’s birdlife, Cooper turns his attention to the North Sea in Sule Skerry.

Originally part of acclaimed bands The Magnetic North and Erland & The Carnival, Cooper has a diverse musical history. Last year’s debut solo album Solan Goose was an Album of the Year at BBC Radio 6 Music, the Quietus, and more; and Sule Skerry has already been crowned a BBC Radio 6 Music Album of the Day.

This promises to be a highlight of our 2020 festival.

Doors 7:30pm | Unreserved Seating

Covid protocol – CQAF small venues*

CQAF is committed to facilitating the return of live entertainment and the gradual reopening of events. We are making every effort to provide a safe environment for our audiences, artists, volunteers and staff.

Current conditions of entry are:

·Temperature check on arrival at the venue.

·Please wear a mask while queuing for indoor events and if you have to leave your seat to move around the venue. No masks necessary when seated.

·Visitors to the venues will be allocated seats as per their booking. (Please email us if there’s someone you’d like to sit with.

·1m physical distancing in line with government guideline.

·Please do not come to the event if you’re displaying any of the symptoms of Covid 19. Email us at info@cqaf.com and we’ll happily refund your tickets.

We hope you enjoy the festival. We will review these conditions of entry if COVID-19 guidelines are updated prior to the event.

* This applies to The Black Box, Oh Yeah Music Centre, The Sunflower, Deer’s Head Music Hall, The American Bar, Ulster Sports Club, 1st Presbyterian Church, The Dark Horse

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfoQgiapJ04

Matt McGinn is an Irish songwriter like no other. It’s obvious by now that with the release of his 4th album Lessons of War, Matt does not follow any blueprint in any genre. Although the sentiment of his lyrics are forged in folk music, the sonic landscape he creates can really transcend most genres.

His 2018 album The End of the Common Man won praise far and wide – AMERICANA UK called it ‘an outstanding blend of soulful passion and melody that will haunt and inspire.’

Early critical acclaim is already coming in for Lessons of War with Line of Best Fit declaring it ‘a plaintive and devastating reassessment of the futilities of war, its horrors, effects and after-effects’. The lead single Bubblegum featuring Ciara O’Neill has been labelled as “one of the best singles you will hear this year” by HOT PRESS magazine.

Matt’s work is filled with tension and emotion, adding some ointment to the disparaging current affairs of today. This album was Matt’s own way of coming to terms with the world’s mistreatment of decent people over this last few years.

Teaming up with leading Irish songwriters like Mick Flannery, Ciaran Lavery and Ben Glover, the album tackles the huge subject of war and its affects. At the same time he sought out musicians from areas of conflict across the world to play their part on this important work.

In this unique festival event, Matt will be joined by his very special guests Ciara O’Neill and Ria Maguire, who both feature heavily on Lessons of War. Also on stage will be Matt’s incredible touring band that includes Nicky Scott and piano virtuoso, John McCullough.

‘Well isn’t that just extraordinary?…A tune that jumps out of the speakers and shakes hands with your ears’ – TOM ROBINSON, 6MUSIC

‘A track that puts goosebumps on your goosebumps’ – HOT PRESS

‘Fantastic…stops you in your tracks.’ – LYNETTE FAY, BBC RADIO ULSTER

‘It just keeps getting better and better with every listen.’ – RALPH MCLEAN, BBC RADIO ULSTER

Doors 1:30pm | Unreserved Seating