Donegal’s top artists have united for a unique album to benefit Doctors Without Borders.
‘Healing Hands’ is the result of a five-year passion project by Harald “Mór” Juengst, a German native who now calls Rann na Feirste home.
Harald is a skilled player of the handpan. His dream was to use this unique percussion instrument to bring a hitherto unknown timbre to Irish music.
And so he did.
Mairéad Ni Mhaonaigh( Altan), Manus Lunny ( Capercaillie) and Eamon Mc Elholm (Solas, Stockton’s Wing) are among the 18 talented musicians to feature on the charity CD, which launches this Sunday 23rd July.
The tracks are a blend of traditional and folk music, mixed with the soothing sound of the ‘hang’. Harald credits Manus Lunny as the genius who produced the songs with great empathy.
Two celebrations are planned locally, beginning on Sunday at Aislann Rann na Feirste at 8.30pm and continuing on Thursday 27th July at Leo’s Tavern, Meenaleck, Crolly also at 8.30pm.
Healing Hands CD tracklist
Harald, who worked in radio broadcasting in Germany, has called Donegal his adopted home since 1978. Since then, he has developed a special relationship with Ireland’s Northwest based on its breathtakingly wild and romantic landscape, its rich culture, living traditions and the Irish language as well as the magic of music.
“And, above all, there were the uniquely open and warm friendships that I have been able to experience and enjoy since 1978,” he said.
“All of this together is what Donegal means to me and I would like to capture and preserve this spirit in my project together with the help of the musicians there.”
Among the artists on the CD are Harald’s neighbours, friends, the Fior Uisce band colleagues, as well as many musicians whom he has grownto appreciate as artists.
Harold Juengst
He is truly grateful to every artist who generously waived their fees for the benefit of Doctors Without Borders in their very important humanitarian work worldwide. A team of generous Donegal sponsors have already backed the project and donated an amazing €3,000 before a single CD was sold. These donations will be presented to Doctors Without Borders at the Donegal launches of the CD on July 23rd and on July 27th.
Harald has dedicated the album to his long-time neighbour and great friend Paidí Hiúdaí Aodh Mac Gairbheith, who named my handpan ’The Pandy’, and to my mate Charlie Ghracie Mac Grianna, who christened me Harald ’Mór’ (mór means ’big’ in Irish).
Both remain forever remembered in his heart and in Rann na Feirste.
The CD will be available for 15.00 Euro in West Donegal shops and in “The Bookmark” (Letterkenny Shopping Centre) and also through my website www.harald-juengst.com (15.00 Euro incl. postage and packing). It also can be downloaded from there.