Scullion

In the Summer of 1979 former 'Tír Na Nóg' songwriter Sonny Condell (Vocals / Guitar) was sharing a flat in Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin with Greg Boland (Guitarist), whom he had befriended during the recording of 'Camouflage', his debut solo album on the Mulligan label. They were joined around this time by Philip King (Vocals / Harmonica) who, having decided to quit teaching for a carreer in music, had also become their flatmate. Greg had just left 'Stagalee' and they began doing some informal gigs together in the local art college and 'The Meeting Place'. Philip had also approached Mulligan with the aim of securing a solo album deal but, as the trio's performances were being well received, the idea of combining the approach to Mulligan as a group became an attractive alternative. All that was needed was a collective name. Taking the story back three years to 1976 would find Sonny and Philip playing togrther with Freddie White (Vocals / Guitar), Mick 'Black Dog' Daly (Vocals / Guitar), Dan Fitzgerald (Drums) and Eamon Doyle (Bass). This band was a fun relief for the members, all of whom were involved in other group and solo projects. Philip came up with the name 'Scullion' for this collective and it was decided to use this name for the new trio. Realising that a proper live show was now necessary, the band approached Philip's friend Jon Dunford to join as live sound engineer and to help with bookings and management, both of which were run by the band at this time. Jon even became the fourth housemate as the Dun Laoighre flat became the hub of the band's activities. The record deal was agreed and in late 1979 the band went into Windmill Lane Studios to record with PJ Curtis producing and Philip Begley engineering the sessions. At PJ's suggestion, Jimmy O'Brien Moran (Pipes) was brought in to add a Celtic flavour to the sound and the band was expanded to four. The 'Scullion' album was released in early 1980 to much critical acclaim, which generated an increased demand for live performances. There followed a busy period of live performance including an appearance at the 'Lisdoonvarna Festival' which was to expand the audience base to national level. The band also spent a couple of months in Holland during which time they played some support concerts to John Martyn, who they susequently approached to produce their second album 'Balance and Control' (1981) on the newly established Warner Bros. (Ireland) label. Jimmy decided to persue formal music studies at this point and the band reverted to a trio. This was recorded in Keystone Studios with Greg's brother Andrew Boland engineering the sessions. Again the album was released to much critical acclaim. The band toured extensively up to the Autumn of 1982 before taking an extended break. During this time Jon became sound engineer for 'Moving Hearts'. Then early in 1983 they were approached by Nicky Ryan, who had just finished as sound engineer and manager of 'Clannad'. Nicky produced the third album, 'White Side of Night' with Brian Masterson as recording engineer. There followed another period of extensive touring which lead to another extended break in late 1984. Then in Spring of 1985 the trio were approached by MCD promotions and DARA records to record and tour again. The result was 'Spin' which was produced by Jon Dunford with Pearse Dunne engineering in Lansdowne Studios. Having explored the acoustic based format over three previous albums, a more contemporary sounding approach was taken to 'Spin'. As a result Robbie Brennan (Drums) was asked to join the band with Eoghan O'Neill (Bass) for the recording. Another of Greg's brothers, Colin Boland, took over live sound duties. The single 'Carol' was to receive massive airplay over the next nine months culminating in a performance at 'Self Aid' in Summer 1986 with an expanded lineup includind Robbie, Eoghan, Noel Eccles (Percussion) and Mary Black and Flo McSweeney (Backing Vocals). Shortly afterwards Greg decided to explore new avenues and left the band after nearly seven years. He was replaced by Robbie Overson who is still the third member over twenty years later. In 1988 this lineup recorded the 'Cooler at the Edge' EP which was produced by Donal Lunny and engineered by Catherine Considine. Two compilations 'Eyelids Into Snow' and 'Ghosts and Heroes' have been released subsequently with both including live tracks with Sonny, Philip and Robbie.