One of the most celebrated traditional fiddlers, Martin Hayes has assembled the Common Ground Ensemble with its roots in traditional Irish music – the common ground of their name – but with a wealth of talent spanning traditional music, improvisation, arrangement, jazz, avant-garde and cutting edge contemporary classical.

The line-up comprises Cormac McCarthy (piano, ‘Cottage Evolution’), Kate Ellis (cello, Artistic Director of Crash Ensemble), Kyle Sanna (guitar, a collaborator with Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile) and another alumnus of the Tulla Céilí Band, Brian Donnellan (bouzouki, harmonium and concertina).

Mining new nuggets of creative gold from the rich seams of the tradition has been a hallmark of Hayes’ career even though the foundations of his music remain firmly rooted in the music of East Co Clare. Born and raised in a locality filled with music,  Martin Hayes drew huge inpsirastion from his father, P.J., and his uncle, Paddy Canny – both renowned fiddlers and founder members of the Tulla Céilí Band.

The Common Ground Ensemble is the latest chapter in the remarkable story of Martin Hayes’ musical life.