Baker's dozen: a new mandolin album by Gerry Madden

Gerry Madden

Thanks to Danny Slevin of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, for this news of a new recording featuring some of the most talented musicians on the scene here. A particular treat for admirers of Gerry Madden's mandolin playing, it also serves as a memorial to the much missed Vinny Baker, who died in July 2013. Danny, who organised the very successful tribute concert in Vinny's memory at Mullingar in June 2014, writes:

There is a brilliant new album out by Gerry Madden. It was recorded in Vinny's studio and was almost certainly the last album he produced.

The album features some amazing mando playing by Gerry. It also features Charlie Arkins on fiddle, Moyra Fraser on keyboards and accordion, Johnny Gleeson on dobro, and Vinny on guitar. For good measure, there is even a bit of clawhammer banjo by Ger McGrath.

On the last track on the album, you can hear Vinny's voice saying 'Take it from the top.' The words had been edited out but Gerry had a copy of the track on his phone, so they were able to put it back in. Very emotional.

Gerry, who was Vinny's colleague in the successful band Bending the Strings along with Moyra Fraser and Martin Cooney, now plays mandolin with the Waterford-based group Strange Fruit. The BIB will be posting further information on getting hold of the new album.