Colm O'Brien is a native of Dublin, Ireland, and is known for his dedication to the tradition of the Irish ballad, as well as his knowledge of the art form. O'Brien has been with groups including Rud Eile, The Prodigals, and stars such as Andy Irvine and Finbar Furey. Although today Colm is a solo performer, he sometimes plays with Martin Butler, a long-time friend who is acknowledged as a master of the bodhran, a type of Irish drum.
A discussion about his album “Back to Work?” notes that O'Brien bypasses obvious events in Irish history to look at less-well-known happenings. The first cut on the album, “The Wind That Shakes the Barley,” is a ballad written by Robert Dwyer Joyce, a poet from Limerick. Joyce's subject is a Wexford man's perspective on what he is about to undergo—taking part in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. O'Brien simply says that he finds obscure songs interesting, particularly as some of the ballads from centuries ago still have a fresh feeling.
A review says:
“Colm O’Brien is truly a top performer of his genre.”
O'Brien will be at the Irish Cottage in Methuen, a short distance from Lowell, on December 18, at 7:00 pm. Flyer printing can successfully promote events like this.