The Fallen Angels are a four piece female Celtic vocal harmony band. Though their songs are mainly contemporary and traditional Irish they also include gospel, folk and some classical favorites in their program.
They first came together in Dublin as an Ad-hoc group in 1987. At the time Joan McDermott and Eilish Moore were running a folk club in the Meeting Place on Dorset Street, Dublin, they decided to give one night a week to female performers as it was felt at the time that there were very few opportunities for women to perform in Dublin. Joan and Eilish were joined on stage by Frances Black, Mandy Murphy and Maire Breathneach, the reaction was so strong that they became a regular act.
In 1991 the group with a now settled lineup of Joan McDermott, Hailey Murphy, Bridget Heffernan, Ida Tynan and Ann Kinsella, started to tour regularly. They spent much of their time touring in Germany, Denmark, England and Switzerland, and have along the way performed with The Pogues, Janice Ian, Fairport Convention and Mary Black.
"What sets them apart is both the individual excellence of the voices and their power when combined. Unusually for a vocal group there is no stylistic homogenization, indeed the set takes in folk, rock, calypso, and country songs, which retain their individuality in spite of some radical and intelligent reworkings. Here is a group that succeeds in making Neil Young's 'Love is Like A Rose' sound like a gospel standard, Sting's 'Fragile' sound like a fine piece of songwriting, and Prince's 'Starfish and Coffee', a song and artist unlikely to have been encountered by the bulk of the audience, sound even better than the original." John Williamson - Glasgow Herald
In 1996, with an all-new repertoire, they recorded a new CD 'Happy Ever After' with Ursula Connolly replacing Ann Kinsella. After the album Ursula left to pursue her solo career and was replaced by the very impressive Suzanne Bushnell.
Joan McDermott: is a traditional singer from New Ross Co. Wexford. As well as being a founder member of the group she was also a founder member of another all female group 'Macalla' in the 80's. She has performed with several well known Irish artists including, Kieran Goss, Steve Cooney, Kieran Halpin and Manus Lunny.
Hailey Kaley Murphy: Cork born Hailey comes from a very musical family and has been a backing vocalist for many of Ireland's top acts including Mary Black, Katel Keinig and Paul Tiernan. Hailey has also worked with the legendary Donovan during some recent recordings in Ireland. Her sister Mandy was one of the original Fallen Angels.
Bridget Heffernan: Comes from Dublin, has being singing professionally for many years. She worked with a number of groups under the name Kate Oregin. She has toured with many top artists including Tom Paxton, Christy Moore and Brendan Grace and is also in constant demand for recording sessions.
Suzanne Bushnell: is the daughter of the world renowned singer Anne Bushnell, started her musical career at the age of 6 when she appeared on stage with Eurovision winner Dana. Since then she has appeared regularly on Irish national radio and television, as well as appearing at a concert in Dublin's Point Theatre with the RTE Symphony Orchestra.
