Bow Brothers
About Bow Brothers
Bow Brothers is an extraordinary ensemble of some of the most celebrated and influential musicians in the world of traditional Irish music. Formed by a unique combination of artists whose reputations and skills span decades, Bow Brothers is a band that brings together virtuosity, passion, and the deep cultural resonance of Irish folk music. The group comprises six distinguished musicians: Cathal Hayden, Stephen Hayden, Niall Murphy, Jim Higgins, Seamie O’Dowd, and Brian McGrath—each of whom has made a significant contribution to the world of Irish music, both as solo performers and as part of iconic bands.
At the heart of Bow Brothers is a shared love for traditional Irish tunes, but what sets the group apart is their ability to blend this tradition with contemporary flair, crafting performances that are fresh, invigorating, and deeply rooted in history. Their music spans across foot-tapping reels, soulful airs, and inventive interpretations of classic tunes, providing an exhilarating live experience. Bow Brothers encapsulates the depth, richness, and joy of Irish music, as each member contributes their unique style, artistry, and musical experiences to create a seamless, energetic, and diverse soundscape.
Band Members
Cathal Hayden – Fiddle, Banjo
A household name in traditional Irish music, Cathal Hayden, hailing from County Tyrone, is an award-winning fiddle and banjo player. With multiple All-Ireland championships to his name, Cathal is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and emotive players in the Irish folk scene. Best known for his work with Four Men and a Dog, Cathal brings decades of performance experience and deep-rooted passion to the Bow Brothers, infusing their sound with his signature virtuosic and heartfelt playing.
Stephen Hayden – Fiddle
Stephen Hayden, Cathal’s brother, is an outstanding fiddler in his own right. With a playing style that mirrors his brother’s passion but brings its own unique voice, Stephen’s contributions to the Bow Brothers add an additional layer of richness to their music. He grew up in the same musical environment that shaped Cathal, which is evident in his ability to match both the technical skill and emotive depth of his sibling. Together, the Hayden brothers create an extraordinary musical conversation that is both powerful and intimate.
Niall Murphy – Fiddle
Niall Murphy is one of the most exciting fiddle players of his generation. He has travelled the world playing with some of music’s biggest names and performing at many prestigious festivals, concerts and functions. He is a 5 times national award winning fiddle player and has amassed millions of online hits. His roots remain in Irish Traditional Music but he continues to push the boundaries to more experimental and exciting territories playing a wide range of genres. He has toured with the likes of Nathan Carter, Cara Dillon, Breaking Trad, Dan Tyminski to name a few.
While Niall isn’t on the road touring, he is both a highly sought after session musician and has recorded on award winning albums with artists such as Mary Black, Sharon Shannon, Cara Dillon, Nathan Carter, Celtic Thunder, Flook and many more. He has recently released several songs, some of which have topped charts and have appeared in the Top 10 on iTunes and official Spotify playlists.
Seamie O’Dowd – Guitar, Vocals
Seamie O’Dowd is a highly respected Irish musician, known for his incredible versatility as a guitarist, fiddler, and singer. Hailing from County Sligo, Seamie has a deep connection to traditional Irish music, but his talent spans far beyond, blending blues, rock, and folk into his sound. With a rich musical history, including playing with the legendary Dervish, Seamie’s soulful guitar work and emotive vocals have made him a sought-after collaborator. His contributions to the Bow Brothers’ music add a warm, intricate layer of harmony and rhythm, enhancing their vibrant traditional sound with his unique, genre-blending approach.
Brian McGrath – Piano, Banjo
Brian McGrath comes from Brookeborough, Co. Fermanagh, an area steeped in traditional music. Brian’s first professional work was with Dervish. He then joined Four Men And A Dog and played on the award-winning album Barking Mad. He moved his career on, accompanying Noel Hill, Paul Brock and Frankie Gavin, among others, before joining the Sean Keane Band as pianist. Brian joined De Dannan where he stayed till the band broke up in 2003. Brian now plays with At The Racket, and is much sought after as a session musician on piano, banjo and mandolin. He has toured extensively, playing with all the biggest names in Irish traditional music, including Frankie Gavin, Noel Hill, John Carty, Matt Molloy, Paul Brock, Charlie Lennon, Joe Burke, Sean Maguire, Brian Rooney, Cathal Hayden, Joe Derrane, Arty McGlynn, Alec Finn, Alan Kelly, Dolores Keane, Maura O’Connell, Tommy Fleming, Steve Cooney and Eleanor Shanley, as well as doing extensive TV and media work.
Jim Higgins– Bodhran, Percussion
Jim Higgins is an acclaimed percussionist and bodhrán player with a rich history in traditional Irish music. Hailing from County Galway, Jim has played with some of the most influential bands in the Irish music scene, including The Stunning, Christy Moore and Lúnasa. His deep understanding of rhythm and his innovative approach to the bodhrán bring a unique pulse to the Bow Brothers’ music, adding a driving, energetic layer to their sound. With his versatile percussion skills, Jim seamlessly fuses the traditional and contemporary, enhancing the band’s performances with his infectious rhythms and dynamic stage presence.
Family Tradition with a Modern Twist
Bow Brothers represent a coming together of some of the most revered names in Irish traditional music. They offer a collective experience that highlights the beauty of the Irish tradition while presenting it through a modern lens. With each member’s diverse background and impressive technical skill, the band delivers performances that are both masterful and full of joy. Whether it’s Cathal and Stephen Hayden’s virtuosic fiddle duets, Niall Murphy’s electrifying energy, Jim Higgins’ innovative percussion, Seamie O’Dowd’s multi-instrumental flair, or Brian McGrath’s harmonically rich accompaniment, every note played by Bow Brothers is a testament to the power and timelessness of Irish music.
Together, they create a sound that is greater than the sum of its parts, a sound that resonates deeply with audiences across the world, connecting listeners to the heart of Irish tradition while propelling the music into the future. Bow Brothers are a must-see act for anyone who appreciates not only the roots of Irish music but its boundless possibilities.