Excitement is building as local Galway button accordion player, Gerry Hanley, will launch his highly anticipated debut solo album, In the Middle of It, at Monroe’s Live this Friday, August 22, at 7:30pm.

Special guests on the night are Angelina Carberry on banjo, Dan Brouder on accordion, Joe Skelton on flute and whistle, and the Lackagh Group.

This seated concert will celebrate trad accordion music of the ‘70s and ‘80s, with tunes and stories.

“We are all fired up for Monroe’s Live on Friday evening,” says Gerry.

“There’s a great buzz about the launch and I’m very excited.  MC on the night is Gary Monroe himself, and we will also chat with my producer, pianist and long-time friend Carl Hession, about his musical journey and the Hession collection of tunes that he has composed. Make sure to get there early, as we will start on the button.”

A lifelong musician rooted in Galway’s trad scene, In The Middle of It was recorded over a year and a half with some of the country’s finest traditional players.

It comprises twelve tracks of reels, jigs, hornpipes and slow airs, which are very much in the Galway style of trad accordion, and features contributions from Maureen Fahy on fiddle, and Eimear Coughlan on harp.

The album is dedicated to the memory of Gerry’s parents, Eileen and Padraig, who lived on the old Monivea road in Castlegar and filled their home with music and song.

Gerry went on to perform widely throughout his youth and early adulthood, recording as far back as 1975 in Windmill Lane Studios and later with the Roudledum Band in the 1980s.

This milestone debut album stays true to the way he learned and loved music and is already receiving airplay on local radio stations.

“It’s not trying to be flashy or fashionable,” he says.

“It’s traditional music, the way I heard it growing up, from the famous and not-so-famous players.  While this is a seated concert, don’t be surprised if there is a hooley afterwards!”

All are welcome to join Gerry Hanley and guests at his debut album launch at Monroe’s Live this Friday, August 22. Doors open at 7pm.

For more see www.gerryhanleymusic.com and www.monroes.ie.

Pictured: All set for launch…Gerry Hanley and producer Carl Hession.