Boston-based duo Copley Street brings traditional Irish music to West Ashley on June 12
Boston-based Uilleann piper Joey Abarta and fiddler Nathan Gourley are two of America’s great young trad musicians. “Trad” is short for “traditional,” often used to describe folk ethnic music that’s been vigorously preserved over time. Copley Street’s music includes offbeat settings of well-known tunes and beautiful pieces that seem to languish in obscurity.
The Duo, who goes by Copley Street have been playing music together daily since 2013. They visit Charleston this month and will perform a special intimate performance at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 12 at Hungry Monk Music in West Ashley.
Gourley started playing music at age 5. While living in Minnesota he collaborated with such renowned players as Paddy O’Brien of Chulrua, Daithi Sproule of Altan, Brian Miller of Bua, and Norah Rendell of The Outside Track. Since moving to Boston in 2013, he released the critically-acclaimed album ‘Life Is All Checkered’ with Laura Feddersen, and ‘The Truckley Howl’ with Mairead Hurley and John Blake. Gourley has taught and performed at festivals in Ireland, New Zealand, and throughout the United States on both fiddle and guitar.
He has spent the last 16 years touring North America, Europe, and Asia, teaching and performing music on the uilleann pipes, the irish bagpipe. A Los Angeles native, he first received instruction on the pipes from Dubliner Pat D’Arcy, a founding member of the Southern California Uilleann Pipers Club.
Gourley’s musical skills have been further honed by several visits to Ireland, a year-long stint working in Japan, and continuing relationships with master pipers. In August of 2009, his accomplished playing won him an All-Ireland championship, placing second worldwide at the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann. In the fall of 2014 Joey won first prize at the An tOireachtas, becoming the first American uilleann piper to do so since 1969. In 2015 Gourley was honored to be a recipient of a traditional arts apprenticeship from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, meaning he was awarded a grant to teach his art to the next generation.
Currently living in Boston, Abarta divides his attention between performance, teaching, and recording. In addition to performing solo, he performs with Gourley he has also toured with renowned Irish musician Mick Moloney and the group The Green Fields of America. While at home, he organizes the meetings of the Boston Pipers Club, teaches for Comhaltas’ Boston Music School, and organizes various traditional music concerts and events.
Copley Street’s self-titled debut duo album, featuring Owen Marshall on Greek bouzouki, has an undeniable chemistry and demonstrates a nuanced understanding of each the other’s playing. Their music includes offbeat settings of well-known tunes and beautiful pieces that seem to languish in obscurity.
Copley Street will perform Tuesday, June 12 at 8 p.m. at Hungry Monk Music, located at 1948 Belgrade Ave. Tickets are $20 at the door. Doe more information call (843) 571-3857 or visit www.hungrymonkmusic.com.
