About Michael Banahan
Over the last thirty-plus-years, Michael is possibly best known as a manager and promoter and in doing so bringing some amazing music to the live scene of the North Midlands and on the opposite fence being the facilitator for attracting attention to the music of this Irish region also. Over the years Michael has worked with many greats, including Eleanor Shanley, Sharon Shannon, Charlie McGettigan, Mick Hanly, Paul Brady, Christy Moore, Sean Keane, Luka Bloom, Ultan Conlon and Ralph McTell, amongst many, many others; some of whom, to Michael’s humility and huge gratitude have already offered beautiful thoughts on this new album.
Meet the Manager and Promoter
We are thrilled to introduce you to Broken Heart, and indeed to the second spotlight track from the album, all 2’ 14” of ‘Hit The Road’, which follows The Tango, the heart breaking, yet hopeful, original lead track from the eleven-track long play. For many the clue might be in its title; Broken Heart is indeed an album of heartbreak, yet it is one which also offers hope. Broken Heart is written by Michael and co-produced with Bill Shanley; one of Ireland’s legendary guitarists & record producers. Broken Heart has been taking shape in Michael’s mind for the past few years, and in 2024, the songs finally arrived, followed closely by the production. Reflecting on the experience, Michael shares: “The process was healing in many ways, and as always, working with Bill on the production was a gentle and positive journey.” Michael celebrated the album’s release to a standing ovation in his home town of Roscommon last month and Dublin has its outing in just over two weeks, on Friday, December 5th in the stunning surrounding of Lis Na Carrig House on Brigton Road in Dublin.
Broken Heart
Meet the Musician
Based in Roscommon, this talented multi-instrumentalist brings a wealth of experience both onstage and behind the scenes. His previous releases include, Liftin’ of the Latch, Tecumseh Valley, The Baileys (a collection of Irish ballads), and extensive performances across Europe and North America; both as a solo artist and as founding member of critically acclaimed traditional/folk collective Rig The Jig, with whom he recorded five albums. Still, no previous achievement quite captures the personal significance of Broken Heart. To say Michael is proud is an understatement; this album of original work represents a deeply meaningful milestone in his musical journey.
In Michael’s own words, "The Tango, was written against the backdrop of my own life experience; that of the one-sided love and what this feels like and indeed the acceptance of it not being possible for one person to tango on their own. I guess there is a lesson too; the rawness and vulnerability witnessed, can be experienced as a result of many of life's challenges; not just love. And in an ironic twist, as heart breaking as this track might appear, it also gives me (and I have been told, others) a sense of hope. An acceptance by us all for what is, also allows us to heal, which in turn allows us to hope and indeed hold a full ambition for the future, a collectively good, full-filling future, which is what all of us deserve."
Michael continues, “I have shared my music with a few close friends and contacts. Some, whose opinions and friendships I hold particularly close, indeed so close these friends don't normally feel the need to rush back to me in reply to work I share. Yet, this rang differently in relation to The Tango; the response has been both speedy and enthusiastic. Two people in particular have told me how this record puts words to how they are feeling, or have felt and listening to my words has helped, greatly. While this is not what I set out to do, I find this feedback hugely uplifting. It is funny how a song based on heartbreak can offer so much hope and positivity! None of us are on our own, even with a broken heart, whatever the cause or anguish.”
We are thrilled to introduce you to this record and to its lead single, track; The Tango. For many the clue might be in its title; Broken Heart is indeed an album of heartbreak, yet it is one which also offers hope.
Listen to The Tango
Musicianship
Michael Banahan – Guitar, Bodhrán, Harmonica, Vocals
Bill Shanley – Guitars, Bass, Bouzouki, Weisenborn, Hammond Organ, Keyboards, Percussion, Drums on tracks 2,
Recorded at Madison Studios | Produced by Bill Shanley | Mixed by Andrew Holdsworth | Mastered by Denis Blackham at Skye Mastering