Angela Usher, born in Manchester, is a well-known tenor banjo player, as well as an experienced teacher and composer of Irish music.
Angela learned the tin whistle from Marian Egan and soon progressed onto other instruments. By her mid teens, she joined her first band Curragh and was then a founder member of the popular Manchester Celtic rock group, Toss the Feathers.
In July this year, Angela released her debut solo banjo album ‘The Gort Mile.’ The album’s title is a reference to her origins; Angela’s Grandfather, John-Joe Lally, came from Peterswell and won the Gort Mile race in the early 1920’s. Angela spent her summers in Peterswell, frequently visiting the family home of celebrated box player Joe Cooley, playing tunes with Joe’s brother, Jack.
Described as a uniquely soulful banjo player, where technical mastery meets impeccable musical taste, Angela is at last sharing her considerable talents as a musician and composer with the wider world. Almost half of the tunes on the album are Angela’s own compositions.
“The Gort Mile is a rare and spirited collection from an outstanding musician and teacher. Cherish it.” – Mike Harding – (Broadcaster and folk musician)
Watch and listen to Angela: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lraMpuojZsY