As she gears up for her forthcoming UK tour, acclaimed singer/guitarist/songwriter Sarah McQuaid is celebrating her first chart success. Based on playlists from 146 folk radio DJs in the US and Canada, the folkradio.org chart for the month of February 2010 (http://folkradio.org/airplay/feb10.html) shows Sarah as the No. 1 artist and her recently released double CD as the No. 1 album.
Combining Sarah’s first two albums, When Two Lovers Meet and I Won’t Go Home ’Til Morning, the double CD was released in North America just in time for Sarah’s first-ever US tour in February and March – a real humdinger that took in 20 shows in 23 days, including such legendary venues as Boston’s Club Passim, upstate New York’s Old Songs and Nashville’s Bluebird Café.
“Neither album had been released in the US before,” Sarah explains, “so rather than try to bring both of them out at the same time, we just combined them into one package, and I’m delighted with the result!
“The tour was exhausting and I won’t have much time to draw breath before I head off again, but the whole thing was a great buzz and I made some brilliant contacts, particularly in Nashville. I’m hoping to spend a week there later in the year, doing some co-writing with people I met during this trip.”
For her UK tour dates, Sarah is calling on any singers who plan to attend her concerts to join her in singing a six-part round she’s written. Entitled ‘In Gratitude I Sing’, the canon carries an uplifting message; the sheet music is available for download from Sarah's homepage, www.sarahmcquaid.com, as is a MIDI recording of the melody.
Born in Madrid and raised in Chicago, Sarah lived in Ireland for 14 years before moving to Cornwall in 2007. Despite having only been touring as a solo artist for three years, she’s in high demand on the international folk circuit, thanks chiefly to her warm, engaging live performances, as the following website guestbook comments attest:
“Pure magic!! We are running our folkclub for 16 years now but I never experienced such a thrilling interaction between artist and audience who rewarded you with three encores!! You have the ability to create an intimate atmosphere with your stories, songs and guitar playing and make the audience part of the gig.” - Piet Snellen, De Fookhook, Sevenum, Netherlands
“A brilliant musician and vocalist whose heart and music are of pure Irish gold. Thankfully, one needn't search for the end of a rainbow to discover them. Ádh mór ort agus beannacht Dia tú!”
“What a memorable and enjoyable evening at the Carrington Triangle Folk Club. A unique voice and lovely relaxed and intimate set. I am so glad I bought a CD so I can enjoy it all over again.”
“Came in from the cold in Lossiemouth last night and left with warm glow which had nothing to do with the peat fire. Keep up the fine fine work & hopefully see you come back to us soon.”