James McNally (musician)

James McNally (l) and N'Faly Kouyate with Afro Celt Sound System at TFF Rudolstadt, 2010

James McNally is a musician, composer and producer of the band Afro Celt Sound System. He was previously a member of The Pogues,^[1] Storm (a duo with Tom McManamon), and Dingle Spike. He has been nominated for a Grammy.

James was born in London to Irish Parents. Trained as a classical musician since the age of seven he later engaged in playing Irish music and by the age of twelve had already performed at London's Royal Albert Hall. He went on to become an All-Ireland Champion on several Instruments. His virtuosity on stage, playing piano, bodhrán, accordion, and whistle, was such that Van Morrison called him, "The Master". He has worked with many musical artists including U2, Sinéad O'Connor, Depeche Mode, Marxman (all as a member of Storm), as well as Eddi Reader, Annie Lennox, Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, Bryan Adams, Ronan Keating, Big Country, Boyzone and Greg Alexander. He has also released a solo CD out on Windham Hill Records called Everybreath.^[1]

Working with the Afro Celts he has worked on several soundtracks including Gangs of New York, Hotel Rwanda and Stigmata, and has written songs and performed concerts with Ronan Keating for over ten years.

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