Kevin Conniff

Kevin, the voice and rhythm of the Chieftains, joined the group in 1976 replacing Peadar Mercier.  Kevin grew up in the parish of Donore beside the Liberties of old Dublin and at first was a fan of rock 'n roll, blues and jazz but was "converted" at a fleadh ceol (a traditional music weekend) in 1963.  He soon learnt to play the bodhran and began learning some of the old ballads in both Irish and English.  Visits to Connemara and the Aran Islands helped him develop a sean nos style.  Kevin's main influences have been Darach O Cathain, Paddy Berry, the Lyons brothers (Tim & John), Sean O Conaire, Sean MacDonncha and a singer originally from Kilkenny Joe Sweeney.  Kevin was also a founder member of the Tradition Club at Slattery’s in Dublin.  It soon became a meeting place for those who wanted to hear traditional music performed by well known performers of the tradition, allowing musicians to play with others in an organized setting.  Some of the musicians and performers who played in the club even included a Chieftain or two in a solo or duet setting.  In the late 1960s, Kevin joined Christy Moore and others for the recording for the now famous album Prosperous, which laid the groundwork for the group Planxty.  He was asked by Paddy to record a couple of tracks with The Chieftains in London for ‘Bonaparte’s Retreat’, and became a permanent member soon after. Kevin’s singing is in the old style which reflects interpretation and is generally unaccompanied.  On the bodhrán, he can demonstrate a subtle rhythm or really heat things up.  Kevin has also released a solo album in 1988, ‘The Week Before Easter’.  Kevin is happy to experiment and has toured with the great Jeff White from Nashville doing a mixture of sean nos and bluegrass and has plans to tour with Mary Bergin and guitarist Tim Edey.  Kevin has three children, Peigí, Ruairí and Ella.