Swallow Hill Music: Altan

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The spirit and sound of Altan emanate from the deep and rich musical tradition of their native Co. Donegal. Having graced stages worldwide for thirty years, from Dublin to New York, Tokyo to Sydney, this premier traditional Irish band returned to the hills of Donegal to record their latest album, The Gap of Dreams. Their music is a transport to the lifestyle of rural Donegal, to an era before electricity when folks gathered in the winter mists to share stories, sing songs, and dance into the late hours. The music acted as a spirit lifter for the locals, lifting them above the hardships of the day such as famine, conflict, and emigration. This spirit has been the cornerstone of the band's evolution, from their humble beginnings as a duo performing in pubs to their current status as international touring and recording artists.