Cran is an Irish traditional music group made up of three people who, as individuals, are each important figures in contemporary Irish culture.
Seán Corcoran (bouzouki and lead vocals) has had a long career as a solo singer before founding Cran with Desi Wilkinson, and is internationally renowned as a skilful interpretor of songs from the Irish tradition, both in English and Gaelic. Read more…
Desi Wilkinson (flutes & vocals) is one of the leading exponents of the traditional Irish flute (“the timber flute”) and a fine singer, to boot. Originally from Belfast, he was inspired to get involved in Irish music through the playing of Fermanagh fiddler, Tom Gunn, a near neighbour. It was from Tom that he learned his first tunes. Read more…
Ronan Browne (uilleann pipes, flutes, vocals) is widely regarded as one of the great virtuosos of the uilleann pipes, Ronan has carved out an international reputation both as concert performer and session musician. Ronan is the piper on the original recording of Riverdance and is also the original piper with the Afro Celt Sound System, appearing on their first two top-selling albums. Read more…
Martin Doyle is good friends with all three members of Cran. Both Desi and Ronan play Martin’s flutes and their kind comments regarding his craftsmanship can be found on Martin’s Testimonials page. Cran have posted three music video clips on their MySpace Music page and they are well worth a look-see. Desi and Ronan both play Martin Doyle flutes during their performance of Erin Grá mo Chroí (which translates to ‘Ireland, my one true love’) – a ballad about life as an Irish immegrant in New York and the longing for home.
Ronan Browne (left) and Desi Wilkinson are both playing Martin Doyle keyless D flutes – enjoy the music!
