Liam O'Connor (Irish musician)
Liam O'Connor is a multi-instrumentalist musician, described as "the Jimi Hendrix of the accordion".[1]
Early life
Liam O'Connor was born in Newmarket, Co Cork to a musical family. At the age of 10 he joined his family's band, The O'Connor Family. The band was composed of O'Connor, his three brothers, his three sisters and his parents. They travelled the country playing with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
While young, O'Connor won the Beamish & Crawford award for best all-around musician from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and was named an All-Ireland Champion.
Music career
O'Connor signed a contract with MCA Universal Music in 1993 and released his debut album The Awakening with vocalist Lisa Aherne. The album was nominated for an IRMA award and caught the attention of Michael Flatley and Lord of the Dance. O'Connor toured with Lord of the Dance for two and a half years.[2]
An innovative performer and multi-instrumentalist, O'Connor's live show combines elements of blues, jazz, reggae, samba, cajun and classical and is highly energetic. The show has attracted guests including Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley, award-winning composer Mike Post, Boy George, actress Maureen O'Hara, actor Patrick Bergin, actor Terry O'Quinn, and Candy Rock.
O'Connor has sold out tours in the United States, Scandinavia, Italy and Australia. He has had the opportunity to perform in venues including: The Point, Slane Castle, World Expo China 2010, MGM Grand Las Vegas, Radio City Music Hall, Sydney Opera House, and Wembley Arena. He is the only Irish musician to be asked to perform at the Ryder Cup twice and performed in front of 170,000 people at the All-Ireland Football and Hurling Finals (Ireland's Super Bowl) in Ireland's National Stadium six times.[3] O'Connor has also played with the famous Artane Band and at the JP McManus pro-am golf tournament. He also played at Thomand Park Stadium for Munster vs. Australia rugby match.
In 2006 O'Connor recorded the official anthem for the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) "Morning Dew"[4] with GAA broadcasting legend Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh and topped the Irish charts for six weeks.
O'Connor is listed in the Guinness Book of Records in 2008 as having the fastest fingers in the world on the Accordion.[5] He has appeared on numerous television programs including Gay Byrnes The Late Late Show, Kenny Live, RTÉ's Live at 3, Open House, Michael Aspels This Is Your Life, Seoige and O'Shea, Vodafone Allstars, Michael Flately's tribute on The Late Late Show, Christie Hennessy's TV documentary, RTÉ News,[6] Pat Kenny's Late Late Show,[7] and Ryan Tubridy's Late Late Show.
Current
In 2010 O'Connor released the album Tico Mystico, recorded at Shabby Road Studios and mixed at Abbey Road Studios in London by Geoff Pesche. The album was produced by John Themis. The record features many high profile performers including Themis himself, and seven-time Grammy winner Paul Wertico, ex-Pat Metheny Group member.
O'Connor performs at the Killarney Avenue Hotel May to October in Killarney as the Liam O'Connor Show.[8] The show is in its tenth season.
He released an album in 2011 featuring a new, original concerto with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra composed by Brian Byrne.
Additionally, O'Connor is travelling to Nashville, Tennessee to grow his presence in the United States.
Discography
| Album | Performers | Date |
|---|---|---|
| The Awakening | Liam O'Connor and Lisa Aherne | 1996 |
| Live at City West Hotel CD | Liam O'Connor and Lisa Aherne | 2001 |
| Live at City West Hotel DVD | Liam O'Connor and Lisa Aherne | 2001 |
| Reel Spirit DVD | Liam O'Connor and Lisa Aherne | 2003 |
| Reel Spirit CD | Liam O'Connor and Lisa Aherne | 2003 |
| The Morning Dew | Liam O'Connor | 2006 |
| Tico Mystico | Liam O'Connor | 2010 |
Credits
| Album | Performers | Role | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lord of the Dance | Original Cast | Accordion | 1997 |
| Feet of Flames | Lord of the Dance Cast | Accordion | 1999 |
| The Two of Us | Christie Hennessy | Accordion | 2008 |
| The Day of My Return | Mike Denver | Accordion | 2009 |
Recognition
| Award | Date |
|---|---|
| 1st Ambassador of Killarney, Ireland | 2010 |
| IRMA Nomination | 1996 |
| Beamish & Crawford Award | |
| Guinness World Record- Fastest Fingers | 2008 |