PlayBook Artists

Martin Hayes

as part of Between the Notes

Martin Hayes is regarded as one of the most influential musicians in the world of Irish traditional music today. His playing places the tradition within a wider contemporary context with his unique and insightful interpretations of Irish music. Because he is deeply grounded in the roots of the music and simultaneously open to new possibilities through collaboration, he has been able to develop an authentic style of Irish traditional music that is soulful, vibrant and relevant for today’s audiences. 

Hayes’ soulful interpretation of traditional Irish music has been heard on concert stages all over the world. He has toured and recorded with the late great guitarist Dennis Cahill for over twenty years (he and Dennis performed for President Obama), and The Gloaming, which he founded. He has performed on stage with Sting, Phoebe Bridgers, Paul Simon and Yo-Yo Ma. Hayes has been recognised as Musician of the Year (Gradam Ceoil) from TG4, Musician of the Year at the inaugural BBC Folk Awards, and Instrumentalist of the Year at the inaugural RTÉ Folk Awards.