For years, Galway’s best known a cappella singing group, the Galway Baytones have been entertaining the city and county at a variety of events benefiting charities and worthy causes.
They have brought the magic of music to unusual corners and their striking a cappella arrangements have made thousands of people stop what they are doing and gather around to listen.
Through all this, they have never charged a cent for their services, with the smoothness of their music matched by the generosity of their souls.
But from next week, we can all hear the music of the Galway Baytones at any time we wish, because they are launching their first album, recorded just a few months ago.
The self-titled album will get its official launch next Monday at an event in the cafe at the Galway Museum,
Recorded this summer at the Forge Recording Studio, Galway under the guidance of well known musical director Ronan De Burca, the album features songs spanning the decades, from the Beatles, Van Morrison, the Beach Boys, Billy Joel and some stunning arrangements of traditional folk songs.
Formed in 2008, the Galway Baytones have gone from strength to strength, playing at numerous events in Galway and Germany, including a performance at Aras an Uachtarain shortly after President Higgins’ inauguration.
Their unique style blends four-part harmony together, to be sung in a cappella style, without any musical instruments.
Group tenor Gary Browne says “it’s a real passion and love of ours to sing these songs in these arrangements.
“We sing for the enjoyment and hopefully this record will bring that enjoyment to people who hear it,” he added.
Now is your chance to hear them on CD. The CD will be available to buy from Galway shops Opus II and Charlie Byrne’s bookshop, along with other outlets and the album will also be available by download on iTunes.
