From Ireland...
Musicians Dave Long and Trish formed Sahara while living in Dublin. They decided to bring their unique eclectic Celtic contemporary music all the way downunder to Australia. Over the last few years in sunny Oz their music has become subtly different - a marriage of sounds and influences between the Northern and the Southern hemispheres - the mist meeting the haze. Ireland and Australia possessing such definably different cultures and weather that the resulting music from Sahara includes some lighter, brighter tones being added to the rich earthy moodiness of their Celtic sound. While living in Ireland Trish & Dave spent many years on the Irish music scene performing with various bands in such venues as Trinity College, The Baggot Inn, The Dublin Concert Hall, The Meeting Place and The Parliament Inn to name a few. They also performed around Ireland with a couple of shows in the Uk thrown in. Their music was featured on several radio stations including RTE 2 and they had a couple of appearances on RTE TV.
...to Australia
Since arriving in Australia Sahara has performed constantly and has supported the likes of 'The Little River Band' and the renowned UK jazz guitarist Martin Taylor. Sahara has performed in Festivals, Mardi Gras, Pubs, Clubs, Radio, TV and Theatres. Dave & Trish have picked up awards both individually and as Sahara for their music writing and performing skills. With the release of 'Vision' Sahara's debut independent CD - the sound of Sahara has spread further afield - hitting overseas when 'Vision' was selected as the new Australian CD of the week on Radio Australia's 'Oz Sounds' program. This was followed by success on the Internet when two tracks off 'Vision' - 'Make My Day' and 'Ordinary Day' were both voted No.1 on the Soundclick First Internet Charts. ‘Make My Day' remained in the No.1 position for four weeks running resulting in an interview that was broadcast Australia wide on the ABC TV evening news. 'Vision' and ‘ Sahara Live at the Malthouse’ have made play lists, spot play lists and been featured on radio Australia wide along with receiving some great reviews. The Sahara live @ The Malthouse concert was a terrific success with the concert being webcast on several occasions on Celtic TV. Sahara also composed an original soundtrack for an ABC TV documentary that won the United Nations Media Award.
Born at a young age in Dublin, Ireland - I chose the hard road in life by taking up the guitar and becoming a musician at the age of sixteen ( I won't mention the piano accordion at the age of 12!). So I took to doing my thing on-stage with Rock, Blues & Folk bands. Then I started forming various bands where I became the lead singer as well as guitarist - performing my own compositions. I won some awards along the way and managed to get airplay for some of my recordings. Being a performer brings unexpected opportunities for example a guest appearance in an Irish TV soapie - acting the very difficult role of a musician!! I'm still constantly writing new material and enjoying performing at concerts and festivals. Trish and myself have spent years playing our music to people in various places and from all walks of life. It's had it’s moments.... but I have discovered over the years that it’s the journey and what you discover along the way that keeps you going.
I've had an ongoing health problem for the last twenty years which in early 2007 resulted in a life saving operation. Having spent three months in hospital and rehabilitation plus many more weeks confined to bed I am now more than ever aware of the importance of living every day. I also ackmowledge the great part music is playing in my recovery. Though I have more operations ahead the challenge I am facing is to once again bring our music back out on the road.
Instruments: Vocals, Guitar, Synth
Born naked at sunrise in Dublin I was dragged screaming into this world!. At twelve years of age I started playing the acoustic guitar, but with four older brothers in the household I could hardly hear myself. So I thought - why not get a SAXOPHONE! Having joined the ITGWU Brass & Reed Band (and getting snowed on while marching in Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Parade) I decided that maybe the outdoor life wasn't for me - so into the pubs to perform with various bands playing jazz/rock/folk and original music. I was lucky to have gained a scholarship for lessons at the Dublin College of Music and fortunate to win some awards. Since starting music I've been conscious not to be too influenced in my playing or writing. Having my own sound has always been important because to me my instruments are my voice. Sahara has brought both Dave and myself on a lifetime journey, I never dreamed when growing up that I would one day live in Australia. Sahara has given me the strength to be the individual that I am and to follow a different path in life.
We are still growing, evolving, emerging and each change and insight is reflected in our compositions and in particular this year of all years. I have learnt so much through witnessing Dave's suffering and indeed the suffering of other patients in the hospitals. I have learnt the silent acceptance of being helpless - handing over your loved one to those in the medical field while all you can do is be there.
I have such a gratitude to those who helped us through our darkest moments.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who include us in your prayers.
Instruments: Vocals, Saxes, Flute, Flageolet, Recorder & Synth
