Although Foden's euph star Gary Curtin is not able to step out onto a concert stage at present to entertain audiences, the response to his debut CD, 'Eire Time' has certainly shown that his fans are still eager to hear him perform.

The release (DOYCD401) has also gained widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers complimenting the Irishman not only on his technical brilliance and musicality, but also on the choice of repertoire.

Fantastic

"It's been fantastic,"he told 4BR as he prepared to pack another batch for postage to far flung corners of the globe.

"Having orders for the CD from around the banding world is great, but what's even better has been to read the emails after they have arrived and people have enjoyed listening to it."

He added: "I think the variety on the release has been the key — from the showy favourites to the serious concertos and something a little bit different.

All soloists are aware that we have to reach out to a new audience at present, so I'm delighted that the approach seems to have caught the imagination."

I think the variety on the release has been the key — from the showy favourites to the serious concertos and something a little bit differentGary Curtin

Major works

Gary revealed that he has been especially pleased with the response to the two major works on 'Eire Time' — the concertos from Bert Appermont and Tom Harrold.

"I wanted to include 'Cantiphonia' and 'Deep Surge' these — not just because they come from the pens of such talented composers, but they offer an exciting new direction for the instrument."

And as for the future?

"I think I'm the same as every other player in that I can't wait to get back to playing with friends in rehearsals, but for the moment we all have to keep safe and keep practicing at home. It's certainly given me plenty of thoughts for what a second CD may contain!"

Find out more

To find out more and purchase 'Eire Time' direct from Gary, go to: https://www.garycurtin.com/