Move mouse over track title to download sample mp3s of Radar's new album "Navigation" or visit the online shop to purchase Navigation Online or click this button
An integral part of the Irish music scene since the early `70s, a musical career spanning 35 years, from the heady days with “Tir Na Nog” which landed him on the biggest stages in the world, to the truly fantastic “Scullion”, numerous solo albums, to his current incarnation with the band “Radar”, perhaps one of Irelands greatest songwriters, Sonny Condell is the real McCoy Read More
Plenty of shows coming up including some shows with Robbie Overson in Walters Bar, Dun Laoghaire during August. Also two Scullion shows in Offaly during August and Tir na nOg appearing in Sligo, Galway, and Enniskillen, during September
Check out the Gigs page for more details
Its Official, The Sonny Condell Band has changed its name to "RADAR" and their new album called "NAVIGATION"
produced by Paul Barrett has recently been released on the Gael Linn Label. You can purchase a copy directly from the Online shop on this site.
'Navigation' marks the latest page in the lifelong journey of Sonny Condell.
Having done the rounds as a solo artist and participator with Leo O'Kelly in
Tir Na Nog andScullion -the call of the band has hit him again and Radar is Sonny's latest
ensemble. The band has talent in spades in Paul Barratt, Garvan Gallagher both
highly experienced studio musicians, Eddie McGinn's youthful exuberance trimmed to
simmering point coloured by Mick deHoog's evocative violin and mandolin and Sonny's
vocal and compositional skills haven't deserted him either. 'Subway' with Mick
DeHoog's strings and Paul Barrett's keyboards lighting the atmosphere and the pop
sensibilities of 'Buy a Ticket' slip deceptively into ambient mode, Sonny's languid
vocals coloured by a subtle yet tightly woven inhabiting a typically Condellian
landscape. His voice soars in this setting, taut and powerful equally at home on the
gentle loping strains of 'Whirling Water', the up tempo 'Long Distance Call' and
'Say You' where guest musician Greg Boland adds a Scullionesque lead guitar. The
backings are taut and lean yet colourful and yet sparsely intimate. One of Ireland's
most talented wordsmiths, Sonny Condell has delivered the goods once more and Radar
proves to be a solidly supportive company. 'Navigation' wont hit the brain cells
straight off. It demands time and exposure for its fruits take hold but the harvest
when gathered and reflected upon reveals a wealth of unexpected charms.
© John O'Regan November 2005