Its been a busy summer for Eleanor Shanley and a great start to her new album campaign. Since the radio service of the first short play from the album, the Thom Moore composed classic “Gorgeous And Bright” in June, the song has being enjoying numerous consistent plays throughout the country. All of which we are delighted with & appreciate greatly. In addition, ‘Gorgeous And Bright’ was added to the RTE Radio 1 play list on service in June and over just about three months later came out as the most played song on RTE Radio 1 for the summer of 2015.

In addition to the airplay success of Gorgeous And Bright, last month THE DANISH FOLK PRIZE AWARD was presented by Morten Kock, Director of Spar Nord Bank to Eleanor Shanley. In its official notes states that “Skagen Festival nominates and hands out the Folk Music Award – a tradition that musicians, as well as festival organizers and festival guests look forward to, its been its tradition since 1995.  In the 20 years since, Eleanor is only the 2nd Irish artist to be given this prestigious honour.”

With long lead PR recordings and festival commitments including Fleadh 2016 in Sligo earlier this month one would be forgiven for anticipating an already tired artist.  Not Eleanor.

On 25th September 2015 Eleanor releases her long anticipated new album “FOREVER YOUNG”. “Forever Young” a solo album, but in the tally of album’s Eleanor has released or been involved with since 1990, this album signals No 14!  Its release in September will be followed by the Forever Young tour.  The album features some of the cream of Ireland’s musicians.  “Gorgeous And Bright” alone written by Thom Moore features the stunning Donogh Hennessy (guitar), Paul Kelly (mandolin, fiddle), Eamonn De Barra (keys, whistle), Martin Brunsden (double bass), Jim Higgins (drums) and Frankie Lane (backing vocals). “I am very excited for the album to be released here at home”, says Eleanor.  “We are already planning many appearances in preparation for its arrival, however, without a doubt the area I am most looking forward to is going back on the road for a national tour from October, in celebration of its release”.

Eleanor’s ‘Forever Young Tour’ will commence on Friday 16th October in Virginia, Co. Cavan and continue through December. With a voice as effortless and pure as this lady is blessed with its no surprise she is still as popular in 2015 as she was in the 1990s having worked with everyone from Ronnie Drew, De Danann, The Dubliners, Sharon Shannon, Donal Lunny, to U2 and too many more both at home & internationally to mention here.

Renowned for her unique interpretation of Irish and Roots songs, Eleanor Shanley has been at the top of her profession since her first appearance with De Danann in 1990.  She recorded two critically acclaimed albums with them ‘A Jacket of Batteries’ and ‘Half Set in Harlem’.  While a member of De Danann she toured Europe, Australia, China, Japan and the USA as well as taking part in several tours of Ireland.

Editor’s notes – Danish Folk Music Prize 2015 It continues, “This year the Folk Music Award goes to Eleanor Shanley. The main reason that the choice fell on the Irish skylark this year is that she, throughout her career, has helped keep the folk music tradition alive.  Eleanor visited the festival for the first time in 1998 and has over the years been an esteemed artist at the festival.  She has since then gained a large audience in Denmark.”

Since then “Eleanor Shanley has repeatedly been on tour in Denmark, giving the audience a unique experience of the Irish musical tradition in all it’s facets. Eleanor is a great ambassador and an inspiration for the Irish folk music scene that she represents in the most exquisite way”

Eleanor has said today on her return home, following the presentation this weekend “This is such an honour, since my first performance at the Skagen Festival in 1998, I have loved each return visit to the festival and each tour in the country.  To be given the honour of The Skagen Festival’s ‘Folk Music Prize 2015′, thrills me greatly, but also makes me proud of my relationship with the country and its folk music fans.”  Eleanor continued, “What makes the award even more special is
that I am only the 2nd Irish artist since its inception in 1995 to be given the honour, alongside the wonderful Dubliners.”

Outstanding Achievement in the Arts

Here at home, in 2013 Eleanor was also presented with an award by Leitrim Co Council for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts, and in 2014 also felt privileged to be announced as Leitrim Person of the Year.  Eleanor is currently part of the Leitrim Music Residence program. Leitrim based Eleanor Shanley is without doubt one of Ireland’s foremost female singers over the two and a half decades.  Since her first appearance with De Danann in 1990, Eleanor’s talents have crossed many genres and her accolades and appearances have been well documented.