Biography

Widely regarded amongst his peers as one of the most innovative pipers, Leonard’s track record of both solo and collaborations reflects the importance of the recording. Leonard was described by The Irish American News as“an important musician”. 

Kevin Burke states : My visits to the West of Ireland over recent years have brought me into regular contact with Leonard since he moved to Sligo in 2015 .  We have spent many hours together enjoying each other’s music and I’m thrilled at the release of this solo CD. I have been aware of it since it’s inception so it’s a delight to finally hear it in its entirety. He has assembled a great team of players to accompany him on the various tracks and his decision to engage fellow piper, flautist and multi instrumentalist, Michael McGoldrick as his producer was an inspired choice. Leonard and Michael’s combination of unusual accompaniments ,interesting tunes and warm, rich sounds have resulted in a superior, recording, comfortable and self confident, while expressing the joys of both piping and traditional music.

Leonard’s recently collaborated with Sottish piping legend Allan MacDonald in a band with traditional music greats, Iain MacFarlaine, Finlay MacDonald and Ali Hutton. A sold out performance at last year’s Celtic Connections in Glasgow which was described as “an evening of wonderful, memorable music imbued with a sense of joy and amusement”. Folk Radio UK.

Leonard also collaborator with Daoiri Farrell, and 2024 is a busy year for Leonard with performances in Festivals in Germany including Rudolstat World Music Festival, the Blas Festival in Scotland and an upcoming performance at the Celtic Colours in Nova Scotia.

The Trio

This Trio have known each other for over 20 years meeting each other at the various festivals in Ireland striking up a friendship and musical bond that has seen them perform at numerous festivals and concerts nationally and internationally over the years but now touring as a Trio officially for the first time.

Andy Morrow comes from a musical family in County Leitrim, his brother Tom being the fiddle player with Dervish. A multi award winning fiddle player Andy started his musical journey at a young age winning various National titles. Andy has toured Australia and Ireland with the theatre show “Trad” with the Live Dred Theatre Company. Andy is a regular performer and teacher at various festivals throughout Ireland and abroad. He released what is widely regarded as one of the classic albums of Irish traditional music with concertina player Tony O’Connell and the late great Art McGlynn on guitar in 2006. This has been described as a timeless masterpiece and still features on may of the Irish music programs worldwide. Andy previously collaborated with Leonard, Rick Epping and Seamie O’Dowd on New Roads Stone Walls and Street Lights.

Shane McGowan also comes from a music family in County Sligo, his father Harry being on of the stalwarts of the famed South Sligo tradition of flute players. A master guitar player, Shane is one of the most sought after guitarists in traditional music. Shane has toured and performed with Dave Munnelly for many years and also with Lunasa, Sean Keane and others. His music knowledge is not just limited to Irish music selecting an other performances with the legendary Zakir Hussain. Shane previously commemorated with Leonard and Declan Folan on Hurry the Jug.