The Bow Brothers
Bow Brothers is an extraordinary ensemble of some of the most celebrated and influential musicians in the world of traditional Irish music. Formed by a unique combination of artists whose reputations and skills span decades, Bow Brothers is a band that brings together virtuosity, passion, and the deep cultural resonance of Irish folk music. The group comprises a lineup of distinguished musicians: Cathal Hayden, Stephen Hayden, Niall Murphy and Seamie O’Dowd, each of whom has made a significant contribution to the world of Irish music, both as solo performers and as part of iconic bands.
Cathal Hayden – Fiddle, Banjo
A household name in traditional Irish music, Cathal Hayden, hailing from County Tyrone, is an award-winning fiddle and banjo player. With multiple All-Ireland championships to his name, Cathal is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and emotive players in the Irish folk scene. Best known for his work with Four Men and a Dog, Cathal brings decades of performance experience and deep-rooted passion to the Bow Brothers, infusing their sound with his signature virtuosic and heartfelt playing.
Stephen Hayden – Fiddle
Stephen Hayden, Cathal’s brother, is an outstanding fiddler in his own right. With a playing style that mirrors his brother’s passion but brings its own unique voice, Stephen’s contributions to the Bow Brothers add an additional layer of richness to their music. He grew up in the same musical environment that shaped Cathal, which isevident in his ability to match both the technical skill and emotive depth of his sibling. Together, the Hayden brothers create an extraordinary musical conversation that is both powerful and intimate.
Niall Murphy – Fiddle
Niall Murphy is one of the most exciting fiddle players of his generation. He has travelled the world playing with some of music’s biggest names and performing at many prestigious festivals, concerts and functions. He is a 5 times national award winning fiddle player and has amassed millions of online hits. His roots remain in Irish Traditional Music but he continues to push the boundaries to more experimental and exciting territories playing a wide range of genres. He has toured with the likes of Nathan Carter, Cara Dillon, Breaking Trad, Dan Tyminski to name a few. While Niall isn’t on the road touring, he is both a highly sought after session musician and has recorded on award winning albums with artists such as Mary Black, Sharon Shannon, Cara Dillon, Nathan Carter, Celtic Thunder, Flook and many more. He has recently released several songs, some of which have topped charts and have appeared in the Top 10 on iTunes and official Spotify playlists.
Seamie O’Dowd – Guitar, Vocals
Seamie O’Dowd is a highly respected Irish musician, known for his incredible versatility as a guitarist, fiddler, and singer. Hailing from County Sligo, Seamie has a deep connection to traditional Irish music, but his talent spans far beyond, blending blues, rock, and folk into his sound. With a rich musical history, including playing with the legendary Dervish, Seamie’s soulful guitar work and emotive vocals have made him a sought-after collaborator. His contributions to the Bow Brothers’ music add a warm, intricate layer of harmony and rhythm, enhancing their vibrant traditional sound with his unique, genre-blending approach.
Concert: Saturday 21 November
7:30pm - 10pm @ The Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh
Workshops:
Niall Murphy - Saturday 10am - Highland Room
Chopping Techniques: ‘The Chop’ percussive technique along with some bluegrass tunes.
Cathal Hayden - Saturday 12pm - Highland Room
New Tunes: Explore Cathal’s own tunes, distinctive style, phrasing and approach.
Seamie O’Dowd - Saturday 12pm - Pentland Room
Mixed Instrument: Work on melody and chords using tunes from the Sligo tradition.
Stephen Hayden - Saturday 2pm - Highland Room
County Tyrone Session Tunes: Learn about the County Tyrone fiddle style through session tunes.
