EP6 - Michael O'Shea

Episode six focuses on Michael O'Shea's self-titled 1982 album. Michael O’Shea played an instrument made from a door that he called “Mo Chara” (my friend). His 1982 album, is regarded as a landmark cult classic. The instrument was inspired by the Hammered Dulcimer, but Michael added amplification and effects lending it a strong sense of otherworldliness. Its sound is steeped in Celtic undertones but also resonant with the cultures Michael had absorbed on his travels in the East. This is a portrait of a musician who went AWOL from the British Army, spent time as a relief worker in Bangladesh, supported Ravi Shankar at the Royal Festival Hall and played with some of the biggest names in jazz including Alice Coltrane, Don Cherry and Archie Shepp. First broadcast on RTÉ Lyric FM. Interviewees include Michael's sister Rita, Graham Lewis (Wire), Gavin Friday (Virgin Prunes), Stano and a host of others. Episode notes: https://www.paulmcdermott.ie/episode-6