Episode 20: Martin Howley

Inside the Banjoverse

Holder of 7 “All Ireland” titles and the first Irish banjo player to play the hallowed Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Martin grew up on a steady diet of Irish and American folk, love of music passed down by his father, Martin, a great folk singer. He has performed with the Chieftains, Carlos Nunez, Mumford and Sons, Ricky Skaggs, and Steve Earle amongst others. He once asked president Obama to hold his banjo, Barrack politely declined, most likely as the banjo is quite heavy. Martin, alongside Enda, has forged a new path in Irish banjo and together they've pioneered a new arena of technical skills. With We Banjo 3, he's been afforded the opportunity to hone his stagecraft and legendary banter - he knows all the sports teams and regularly attempts local language lore, often to clumsy mirth-making results. Martin believes that folk music is an antidote to social ills

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