Ar Eigean Gael
Ar Eigean Gael is Pittsburgh's newest Irish Folk Rock Band. In the Spring of 2007 Matt Hughes had started performing as a solo musician. Matt, however wanted to get a band together to perform in the Pittsburgh area. One evening Karl Greenley asked Matt if he would like to perform with a whistle player. Matt quickly agreed and contacted Paul Giampaolo to play the bass guitar. They started rehearsing together but something was missing. One afternoon Matt was perusing a local forum for Irish musicians and their fans when Sue Borowski posted stating she was looking for local Irish musicians to jam with. Matt contacted her and they started meeting together to play music. Sue was hired shortly afterwards making the band a four piece. The band plays a mix of drinking songs, rebel songs and ballads inspired by Ireland and Scotland. They are currently working on their debut CD "Good Drinking Weather"
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes, we have played in Pittsburgh at various pubs and festivals including the Pittsburgh Renaissance Faire.
Your musical influences
Pittsburgh's The Wild Geese Band, Michael Murphy and the Shannon River Band, Brobdingnagian Bards, The Bilge Pumps, Corsairs, Gael Force, Terry Griffith, Wylde Nept, Blackthorn
What equipment do you use?
Matt Hughes - Guitar, Vocals
Karl Greenley - Whistle, Vocals
Paul Gaimpaolo - Bass Guitar, Vocals
Sue Borowski - Mandolin, Fiddle, Vocals
