Allison's Musical Journey
New Album ''Redirect This Affect'' released 1st November 2024
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Peter Grogan-Dublin City FM-It's all about the song:
''Allison's Voice is So Assured-its Jazzy its Soulful it's so Appealing,
a wonderful Album''
Paul McGee-Lonesome Highway.com: ''It is a selection box of different treats and is a fine example to the array of talent currently active on these Irish shores-the ability to be able to fully inhabit each song choice brings a greater reward. The album flows nicely in the order of the tracks and the musicianship is of the highest order throughout."
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Noel Casey-Dublin City FM -All Irish After Midnight- ''What a Gorgeous Feel to the New Album ''
Oliver Zurita - Expansion Radal
''Allison McGrath is an Artist with an Incredible ability to Convey intense emotions through her songs-She immerses us in an alternative experience that combines elements of R&B Soul and Trip Hop in Song 'In Over my Head'​-Nostalgic atmostphere and impeccable production that fuses orchestral arrangements with electronic textures- Allison's sweet and deep voice is the final touch that makes this song something truly special.
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New Single 3rd Aug 2024
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''Just a Minute''
Hot Press Magazine-New Irish Songs to Hear this Week 9.08.2024-Just A Minute
''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.''​​​​​​​
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​Downloads/Cds-
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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
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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
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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.​​​​
You can read all about the trip to Nashville in Allison's Blog.
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​​​​2ND Album ''At Long Last'' released Sat 4th Aug 2018 in The Skylite Room Warrenpoint, Full band & support by Daragh McSloy.
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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.
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​ THE DEBUT ALBUM OVERBOARD
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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.
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'Overboard' achieved MRU Award 2012 for best Soul/Jazz Funk.
OVERBOARD REVIEWS
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“'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”
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‘’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’
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​​​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
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Some Performances Include:​​​
Riffs for the kids-slot-fundraiser
BB Kings Nasville
The Blue Bird Cafe-Nashville-In the Round with Tony Aratta, Pat Alger, Niamh McGlinchey & Rory Nellis
Cable Tv Show @ Necat-Nashville
Showcase-Belmont Uni-Nashville
In the Round Reunion-The Ramada ​​​
​The Tap Room Newcastle
Support For Brian Kennedy-The Slieve Donard Hotel
Enler Delta BluesClub-Guest Spot with Rod Demick & The Monarchs (Van Morrission)
Horatio Todds- Belfast
The Lough & Quay
Saturday Afternoon Club @ The American Bar-Belfast
At long Last "2nd Album Launch Party Skylite Room
The Cobbles Newry​
Support for Danny Bryant-The Empire Music Hall- Belfast
Dirty Duck Alehouse Hollywood NI​
Guinness International Blues on The Bay Festival
Fiddlers Green Festival
Sunflower Festival
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)​
Awards Ceremony Banbridge Buskfest
Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival (in the Round with Lee Roy Parnell)
The Indo Blues Club
Newry City Blues Festival
Sunflower Festival
Indo Blues Club
Dr Hillyards Music Club
Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival
Ronnie Drews Home Grown Sessions
Amplified - Newry
OVERBOARD CD LAUNCH 20TH APRIL 2012
Downtown Radio Interview
Cavan Tv Interview & Live Performance
Tanglewood Music comedy & Arts Festival
Ballinamore Fringe Festival
The Blues Connection Music club
Down Music and Arts Festival
Newcastle Music and Arts Festival
Support Slot for Alabama 3