'Toranj' Available HERE

Music

About

Navá is a group of young musicians exploring the relationship between the ancient musical cultures of Ireland and Persia. It is comprised of folk/bluegrass musicians Paddy Kiernan and Niall Hughes, and Iranian born brothers Shahab and Shayan Coohe. Since forming in early 2016 they have performed extensively at home and internationally. Recent accolades include their nomination for Best Folk Group at the 2022 RTE Folk Awards.

Their three recordings ‘Tapestry’ (2016), Sojourns Vol.1 (2020) and Toranj (2022) were recorded at Hellfire Studios, an intimate studio in the Dublin Mountains, overseen by Adrian Hart (I Draw Slow, Yurodny) and Tony Byrne (Julie Fowlis, Danù), and supported by the Arts Council of Ireland.

Each album charts a unique sonic landscape, weaving material from the Irish and Persian traditions alongside numerous other styles, into a beguiling tapestry of sound, and treats listeners to a joyous exploration of the connection between two venerable musical cultures.

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Santoor

Shahab Coohe

Born into a family of music lovers, Shahab started his music education aged eight, under the direction of Majid Kiani, one of the contemporary masters of the santoor (a trapezoid-shaped stringed instrument that pre-dates the duclimer and piano). He also plays violin and is currently studying performance at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
Guitar/Bass

Niall Hughes

Originally from County Mayo, Niall now lives in Dublin where is widely known as one of the most versatile and creative bass players in Ireland. He currently plays with a whole host of bands across the musical spectrum including Bluegrass band Mules and Men, The Lisa Canny Band and The Blue Light Smugglers.
Banjo

Paddy Kiernan

Paddy is one of Ireland's most in-demand banjo players and teachers. He currently plays with Roots/Bluegrass band Lands End, the Niall Toner Band and modern string band Pine Marten. Constantly pushing boundaries on his instrument, Paddy was the first 5 string banjo player to graduate from the University of Limerick’s MA in Traditional Music Programme.
Tombak/Tar/Clarinet

Shayan Coohe

Shayan started playing the Tombak under the direction of Master Arjang Kamkar at the age of seven and went on to study Tar (a plucked string instrument which pre-dates the lute and guitar). Shayan continued his studies at the Conservatoire of Music in Tehran aged 11. He also plays Daf, Setar and Tanbour and is currently studying Clarinet at the Royal Irish Academy of Music in Dublin.

Upcoming Gigs

12
JAN

The Duncairn Belfast

Nava will play old and new material including music from their new release Toranj. 'Toranj' continues the bands exploration of musical styles and instrumentation with influences from Indian, Eastern European and Irish traditional music. Tickets Availablehere.
28
JAN

Temple Bar Tradfest

TradFest Temple Bar is a joyful celebration of Irish identity through music. Each January, it showcases the best of established and emerging musical talent at a landmark festival which is rooted in the historic and atmospheric setting of Temple Bar, Dublin’s cultural quarter. Tickets Availablehere.
03
FEB

IMBOLC Festival Derry

IMBOLC International Music Festival is one of the highlights of the North West cultural calendar and one of Ireland's music festivals. The festival is renowned for not only presenting performances in a great atmosphere by world class artists but in championing up-and-coming talent in a range of genres. Tickets Availablehere.
10
FEB

Music for Wexford

Since its foundation in 1993, Music for Wexford has presented an annual series of recitals by both Irish and international musicians. Tickets Available on the door.

Selected past performances

Doolin Folk Festival

Celtic Connections

National Concert Hall, Dublin

Folk Alliance

Fleadh TV 2022

Philidelphia Folk Festival 2020

Masters of the Tradition

Press

Irish Times (Album Reviews April 2022) '... Toranj is a stunning snapshot of the band on a hugely impressive upward trajectory. Catching them live is a must, as these tunes will surely glisten in the heat of live performance..' - Siobhán Long

Songlines (#134 Jan/Feb 2018) 'Wherever the source of the music lies, the group manage to create a new home for it in the space created by their sensitive and dynamic playing. 4/5 Stars' - Tom Newall

Fatea Records (January 2018) 'The individual, and rather mesmerising, quality of Nava’s invention is perhaps most strikingly felt on the pieces of Iranian origin, although the Irish tunes also spring some surprises...' - David Kidman

The Thin Air (December 2017) 'Nava’s musical make-up and blisteringly sharp instrumentation boil over into a debut effort that’s eccentric, incomparable, and essential. 4.5/5 Stars' - Aaron Drain

Irish Music Magazine (December 2017) '... the familiarity in the music and instruments as can be heard on Tapestry demonstrates the importance of what Nava has done with this record, which is breaking new ground on the global musical landscape.' - Derek Copley

Contact

For booking and general inquires please use the links below.

General

Mailing List

Press Kit