Paddy Keenan is recognized today as one of the most influential individuals in the evolution of Irish music.  Donal Lunny named hm "the Jimmy Hendrix of the uilleann pipes" and some music critics have gone so far as to compare him to John Coltrane for his genius in improvising and his counterpoints. 

Arguably the best of the best uillean pipers currently performing, Paddy's flowing, open-fingered style of playing can be traced directly from the style of such great Travelling pipers as Johnny Doran; both Paddy's father and grandfather played in the same style. Although often compared to Doran, Paddy was 19 or 20 when he first heard a tape of Doran's playing; his own style is a direct result of his father's tutelage and influence.

Paddy was one of the founding members of The Bothy Band  - a group that forever changed the face of Irish traditional music, merging a driving rhythm section with traditional Irish tunes in ways that had never been heard before. Those fortunate enough to have seen the band live have never forgotten the impression they made -- one reviewer likened the experience to "being in a jet when it suddenly whipped into full throttle along the runway." Paddy was one of the band's founding members, and his virtuosity on the pipes combined with the ferocity of his playing made him, in the opinion of many, its driving force.

In the years following the tremendous success of The Bothy Band, his solo career has spanned from the deepest roots of Irish traditional music to Americana roots music and Bluegrass.  Throughout the year, Paddy delights audiences all around the world, Australia, Japan, Europe and North America.

Visit Paddy's website at http://www.paddykeenan.com/ .  For a real treat, browse his Picture Gallery which includes photos of family and friends.  Click here for sound samples.

Paddy will perform at Richmond Folk Music with guitarist/vocalist John Walsh. Born in The Bronx, NY, his family moved to Kilkenny, Ireland when he was 10. He took up guitar and was lucky enough to be surrounded by a rich musical heritage in Kilkenny where he learned music of all sorts and kinds. After spending years soaking up as much music as he could, he moved back to NY, and is presently performing, and recording, mostly in his studio, St Canice’s Backyard, based in NY.