Described by their musical piers as ‘a superb band’ with ‘musicianship of the highest quality’, it is no surprise that Bua, taking their name from the Irish Gaelic word for victory, have quickly emerged as North America’s premier traditional Irish music act.
With a sound steeped in the traditional flair and romance of the Irish idiom it is no coincidence that each of the band’s five members has strong connections to the country from which their music, indeed their livelihood stems.
Bodrán and banjo player Jackie Moran is of particular interest as he was born in Thurles before immigrating to Chicago Illinois with his family when he was still only 10. He grew up to be a stalwart of the Chicago Irish music scene as a highly sought-after bodhrán player. Jackie has toured with such renowned names as Riverdance, the Trinity Irish Dance Company, the Drovers and Ensemble Galilei and he has recorded with many of today’s greatest traditional Irish musicians. Renowned for his vibrant and articulate drumming, Moran is integral to Bua’s dynamic rhythm section.
Jackie’s success with Bua has catapulted the band to the forefront of the popular traditional Irish scene in the United States and the group have played and performed at numerous prestigious festivals such as the Irish Connections festival in Boston and Celtic Fest in Chicago. Having achieved credible levels of success with their ‘Gan Bua’ and ‘Live at Martyrs’ albums, the band are due to release a new studio album of original material at the beginning of 2009.
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