Infectious rhythms and magnetic musical chemistry of this cracking new duo, featuring Eoin Coughlan and Brian Morrissey.
The OARS is a new contemporary duo featuring songwriter and guitarist Eoin Coughlan and multi-instrumentalist Brian Morrissey.
Their recently released album was recorded and produced in Louisiana by multi-Grammy winner Dirk Powell, who describes: “Listening to The OARS, one gets drawn in first by the infectious rhythms and magnetic musical chemistry. The tunes and grooves are rock solid yet always moving. The songs arrive in the centre of this feeling, full of brave lyrics, vivid imagery, and fearless emotion. Their combination of rawness and finesse is truly rare and instantlyengaging”.
The OARS are already attracting attention from some of the main European festivals. They recently supported the iconic band The Stunning and are set to tour with Damien Dempsey in April 2025.
“The Oars are the kind of musicians who, with every note and in every lyric, lift the heart and ease the mind..." – Donal Ryan, International Author
Eoin Coughlan
As part of the hugely successful group NOMOS, the lead vocalist/multi-instrumentalist and songwriter found himself touring extensively around the world playing alongside the likes of Emmylou Harris, Billy Bragg, Nancy Griffiths and Baaba Maal on some of the main world music stages.
After five years on the international scene with NOMOS, the break-up of the band saw Eoin embark on a solo career that resulted in the release to huge critical acclaim, of his debut album, “Blood in Vein”, produced by David Odlum.
"Eoin Coughlan is a diverse musician whose traditional inspired guitar playing brings a unique element to contemporary songwriting. He plays with a percussive style and harmonic variety that makes him stand out as a top-class player" - Ciaran Gribbin of INXS
Brian Morrissey is a renowned banjo/bodhrán/mandolin player and percussionist. He is a member of the ground-breaking groups Buille and TarantaCeltica and has performed and recorded with artists such as Donal Lunny, John Spillane, Kevin Crawford, Jimmy Crowley, and the late, great Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin. Brian has also performed with many international artists including multiple Grammy winners Béla Fleck and Alison Brown.
Brian's production and composition credits include the acclaimed stage show Pulses of Tradition.
“When I heard Brian Morrissey playing, I knew I was in the presence of a master. Since then, I haven’t come across any other pitched bodhrán players nearly as good.” – Donal Lunny.