ALLISON MCGRATH MUSIC
Latest News
2ND Album ''At Long Last'' released Sat 4th Aug 2018 in 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'
About Allison
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 She 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/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.
In Februrary 2019 Allison learned she had been selected
by Pan Arts & Arts Council NI to travel to Nashville Tennesse to perform at world famous'Blue Bird Cafe'where she performed alongside Songwriting 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 with the stunning Award winning Singer Songwriter Benita Hill.
You can read all about trip to Nashville in Allison's Blog.
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 RIP, Steve Clarke, Chris Day, Gary Day, Catherine Barter, Claire Galway & Jarlath Mulholland.
'Overboard' achieved MRU Award 2012 for best Soul/Jazz Funk.
ALBUM REVIEW
“'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”
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)
Overboard ALBUM REVIEW
‘’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’
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
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 NORTHER BAR ARMAGH
THE ENLER DELTA BLUES CLUB GUEST SPOT WITH ROD DEMICK
& THE MONARCHS (FORMER VAN MORRISON BAND)THE STRAND BELFAST AMANDA ST JOHN TOUR ''SONGS OF MY HERO'S ''CELEBRATION OF THE MUSIC OF ETTA JAMES DUSTY SPRINGFIELD AND ARETHA FRANKLIN (GUESTING)
HORATIO TODDS BELFAST THURS
THE LOUGH & QUAY
THE AMERICAN BAR, BELFAST SAT
7 HILLS BLUES FESTIVAL THE NORTHERN BAR ARMAGH
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