In memory of my Father Rowland Blennerhassett,a true Gentleman.
This short music video is in memory of my late Father Rowland Blennerhassett from Sligo, who used to tell me a story as a child about our ancestor Harman Blennerhassett, a member of the United Irishmen who fled from Ireland after the failed 1798 rebellion and settled on Blennerhassett Island in the Ohio river near Parkersburg, West Virginia in the USA. It was a dream of his to visit the island which was sadly never realised in his lifetime. He was a great traveller and tourist and I think “The Parting Glass” by Robert Burns is a fitting tribute to him.
I am a session bassist and contemporary composer based in Ireland, most of my studio work these days is done from my own studio via Dropbox etc. I am also a member of Derek Ryan's touring band.
I play Double bass and Bass guitar and most recently a derivative of the Chapman Stick, the NS Stick and several other instruments when I must :-)
I have two solo instrumental albums on release called "End of a longer day" and "A small shadow" and my sister Susan and I are currently writing and recording a series of Audiodramas/Books called the The Todalie Stories, a series for kids of all ages including adults that refuse to grow up. comprising Text, Audio & Illustrations (by Vitya Malirsh), inspired by special people, the unseen little folk, and other fantastic creatures that inhabit the woods, streams and lakes on this island .
The stories explore the concept of triumph over adversity and illustrate the importance of inclusiveness, the powerful impact of community spirit, bringing together disparate groups to achieve a common goal in a respectful inclusive space.
The first story (abridged) is available as a Podcast called The Todalie Stories on all good podcast providers and on www.todalie.com.
During lockdown I completed a course in Music Composition for Games in Pulse and Griffith College Dublin, and am currently involved in several exciting writing projects so watch this space!
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