Allison's Musical Journey

LATEST NEWS

New Single 3rd Aug 2024

''Just a Minute''

Hot Press Magazine-New Irish Songs to Hear this Week 9.08.2024

''Acclaimed vocalist Allison McGrath transports the listener to the Caribbean with this deliciously groovy, mellow and ornately-produced number. Dubby bass, air-tight percussion, melancholy horns and classic reggae guitar strokes provide the background to a typically strong vocal performance, as the lyrics aim to find calm amidst a turbulent situation.''

Just A Minute - Download now-

1st single was released 18th May 2024 'That Man Of Mine ' from new Album 'Redirect this Affect' and is available for Download directly from our online shop as well as Spotify/I tunes/Amazon etc.

The Full band will be show casing our new single at our gig at The Guinness International Blues On the Bay Festival - Warrenpoint on

The Ralph McClean BBC Annual Broadcast from the Whistle Down Hotel Thursday 23rd May 8pm & in the

Fantastic Venue that is The Skylite Room 9pm Bank Holiday Monday 27th May

The Single features the following musicians:

Brian Willoughby Lead Guitar

Aidan Dempsey Baritone Sax

Dermot McQuaid Guitar

Paul McMahon Bass

Cathryn Craig Backing Vocals

Martay Galbraith Drums

Written & Produced by Allison McGrath

Album Recorded and Mixed by Steve Fearnley of Narrow Water Studios

Mastered by Pete Maher of Topfloor Production

Photo: Dark Queen

In Februrary 2019 Allison learned she had been selected by Pan Arts & Arts Council NI to travel to Nashville, Tennessee, to perform at The world famous 'Blue Bird Cafe' where she performed alongside Song writing Legends Pat Alger and Tony Arata, as well as performances in Bourbon Street Bar and BB King's Nashville.

Whilst in Nashville Allison also Co-Wrote a Song 'Never in my Lifetime' with the stunning Award winning Singer Songwriter Benita Hill.

The track will feature on New album due for release Autumn 2024

You can read all about the trip to Nashville in Allison's Blog.

2ND Album ''At Long Last'' released Sat 4th Aug 2018 in The Skylite Room Warrenpoint, Full band & support by Daragh McSloy.

Ralph McLean BBC radio Ulster: ''A Very Special release, Great album-wonderful range of styles, Soul, Blues and even a bit of reggae, there's a whole range of great players on Album. A Good Album''

''Freaky old Lady'' just Brilliant, Great playing, great soulful sound, really special, very very enjoyable..one of our many fine performers.

Singer songwriter from Co. Down Ireland, began writing songs at age sixteen after getting her first guitar, learnt a few basic chords, then took to the streets of Belfast to Busk. It was whilst Busking she met musicians who advised and guided her musical journey to winning 'Belfast Busker of The year 1989'. Then Allison was asked to do a support slot for ' Steve Philips' from the 'Notting Hill Billies' (former band for Mark Knophler).
After Busking She joined band Captain Swing enjoying 3 years gigging in Belfast and Touring N. Ireland performing in The Rotterdam Bar /The Errigle Inn/Queens/Rock on The lough/Front page and further- a-field.

In Later years Allison formed band 'Soulantics' and they have been instrumental in the recording of two self penned Albums.

Allison & Soulantics usually perform as a 5-7 piece band although they have been known to do a 2/3 piece.

Their Set is varied from Original songs to Cover Songs done in their own style,a Soulful Blend of Blues/Funk/Jazz/Reggie/folk and Rock.

THE DEBUT ALBUM OVERBOARD

Colm Hearty and Allison initially started Producing/recording and Co-arranging. Dayv Grant Producer/Engineer then joined them and like Colm gave up so much time/hardwork/late nites/patience and friendship they were undoubtably one of the biggest factors in encouraging this project forward.

Allison then approached some of Irelands Most Finest and well seasoned musicians ie Gareth,Dermot and Karl Colm Hearty & Paul McMahon to form band ''Soulantics''
Guest artists on Cd: Matthew Benson (Bad Manners/George Ezra), Peter Benson, Sean Scott Jones, Steve Clarke, Chris Day, Gary Day, Catherine Barter, Claire Galway & Jarlath Mulholland.

'Overboard' achieved MRU Award 2012 for best Soul/Jazz Funk.

OVERBOARD REVIEWS

“'An Irish Native of Newry city has proved herself a songstress to be reckoned with after her Debut Album hit the shelves of music Empire HMV...'' the Album is positively evoking, to produce something to such a high calibre is nithing short of awe inspiring'' https://www.facebook.com/#!/grapevineentertainmentireland”

‘’It is a timeless piece that rewards repeated listens. Late night radio really should pick up on this track and give their listeners a treat… I personally will file it beside Eric Clapton’s and Robbie Robertson’s recent works’’. ..Tony Kenna ‘Musicians Together magazine’

FESTIVAL WRITE UP: ALLISON & SOULANTICS

Warrenpoint vocalist, songwriter, producer and performer; Allison McGrath has been involved in all aspects of the music industry. With a career spanning 2 decades, Allison has performed and appeared in many festivals including the world famous Fiddler's Green festival in Rostrevor. Join her for this anticipated memorable session.”

- Ian Sands ( Festival Organiser ), Guinness Blues on The Bay Festivals (May 04, 2011)

SOME OF ALLISON'S PERFORMANCES

2019

RIFFS FOR THE KIDS FUNDRAISER FOR CRUMLIN CHILDRENS HOSPICE DUBLIN

THE AMERICAN BAR BELFAST

BELFAST NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

BELNASHERS IN THE ROUND

THE BLUEBIRD CAFE NASHVILLE (SOLO IN THE ROUND)

FILMING A CABLE TV SHOW WITH AUDIENCE AT NECAT (NASHVILLE)

SHOW CASE AT BELMONT UNI NASHVILLE

THE TAP ROOM DONARD BAR NEWCASTLE 4.30PM

BELFAST CITY BLUES FESTIVAL 'THE NORTHERN WHIG'

BELFAST CITY BLUES FESTIVAL 'BOOTLEGGERS' DUO

FIDDLERS GREEN FESTIVAL OUTDOOR STAGE

THE RAMADA BELFAST 'IN THE ROUND REUNION

ENLER BLUES CLUB, GUEST SPOT WITH ''THE MONARCHS''

7 HILLS BLUES FESTIVAL ARMAGH

THE TAP ROOM DONARD BAR NEWCASTLE 4.30PM

2018

SUPPORT FOR BRIAN KENNEDY IN CONCERT SLIEVE DONARD HOTEL

THE ENLER DELTA BLUES CLUB GUEST SPOT WITH ROD DEMICK

& THE MONARCHS (FORMER VAN MORRISON BAND)

HORATIO TODDS BELFAST

THE LOUGH & QUAY

THE AMERICAN BAR, BELFAST SAT AFTERNOON CLUB

7 HILLS BLUES FESTIVAL

FIDDLERS GREEN FESTIVAL (MAIN STAGE)

AT LONG LAST' ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY THE SKYLITE ROOM,

THE COBBLES NEWRY (UNPLUGGED )

INTERNATIONAL GUINNESS BLUES ON THE BAY FESTIVAL

OPENING ACT FOR DANNY BRYANT ALBUM TOUR THE EMPIRE BAR BELFAST

2017

Guinness International Blues on The Bay Festival

Fiddlers Green Festival

7 Hills Blues Festival Armagh

Dirty Duck Alehouse Hollywood NI

2016

Guinness International Blues on The Bay Festival

Fiddlers Green Festival

7 Hills Blues Festival Armagh

2015

Guinness International Blues on The Bay Festival

Fiddlers Green Festival

Sunflower Fest

7 Hills Blues Festival Armagh

BBC Radio Ulster (live performance & Interview with Gerry Kelly)

Newry City Blues Festival

BBC Radio Ulster (Live Performance & Interview with Ralph McLean/7 Hills Blues fest)

2014

International Blues on the Bay Festival
Awards Ceremony Banbridge Buskfest
Sunflower fest
Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival (in the Round with Lee Roy Parnell)

The Indo Blues Club

Newry City Blues Festival

2013

Internationl Blues on the Bay Festival

Sunflower Festival
Indo Blues Club 25th Jan
Dr Hillyards Music Club 19th Jan

Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival

2012

Ronnie Drews Home Grown Sessions
Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival.
Amplified - Newry 31st March
OVERBOARD CD LAUNCH 20TH APRIL 2012
Guinness Blues on The Bay festival Friday 25th May
Downtown Radio Interview
Cavan Tv Interview & Live Performance
Tanglewood Music comedy & Arts Festival 4th August
Ballinamore Free Fringe Festival 25th August
The Blues Connection Music club 5th Oct

2011

International Guinness Blues on The Bay Festival
Down Music and Arts Festival
Newcastle Music and Arts Festival

2010

The International Guinness Blues On The Bay Festival,
The Fiddlers Green Festival
Support Slot for Alabama 3