"Certainly one of the finest Irish-American musician fiddlers..."
- Dirty Linen Magazine
Irish Echo's Top Trad Artist for 2008
"Certainly one of the finest Irish-American musician fiddlers..."
- Dirty Linen Magazine
Irish Echo's Top Trad Artist for 2008
New York born fiddler Brian Conway is a leading exponent of the tastefully ornamented Sligo fiddling style made famous by the late Michael Coleman. The winner of two All- Ireland junior titles in 1973 and 1974 and the All-Ireland senior championship of 1986, Brian's early studies were with his father Jim of Plumbridge, County Tyrone, and with Limerick born fiddler/teacher Martin Mulvihill. However, it was the legendary fiddler and composer Martin Wynne who taught him the real secrets of the County Sligo style. Later, Brian met and befriended the great Andy McGann of New York, a direct student of Michael Coleman, who further shaped his precision and skill on the instrument.
In 1979, Brian recorded a duet album, The Apple In Winter (Green Linnet) with fellow New York fiddler Tony Demarco. He released his debut solo CD, First through the Gate, on the Smithsonian-Folkways label in July 2002. This CD was voted the prestigious Album of the Year by the Irish Echo. Brian is also featured on the CD, My Love is in America, recorded at the Boston College Irish Fiddle Festival, and on the documentary "Shore to Shore" which highlights traditional Irish music in New York. He is considered one of the musical rocks of the New York area.
In 2007, Brian released a CD titled A Tribute to Andy McGann on the prestigious Irish Label Cló Iar-Chonnachta. This CD pairs up Irish Music legends Joe Burke and Felix Dolan along with Brian in a CD which has received glowing accolades since it's release in the summer of 2007. Brian followed this CD with a much anticipated Solo CD titled "Consider the Source" in deference to the rich environment from which Brian learned his music. This CD was released in 2008 on the Cló Iar-Chonnachta Label. This CD features guest appearances by music greats Niamh Parsons, Dan Milner, Billy McComiskey, Joannie Madden, Felix Dolan, and Brendan Dolan. Earle Hitchner of the Irish Echo described this CD as "Easily one of the best releases this year". Brian followed up that recording with the highly acclaimed “Pride of New York” and, in 2016, recorded with the group “Gailfean” featuring John Whelan, Mairtin DeCogain and Don Penzien.
In 2025 Brian released his long awaited third solo album titled Wallace Avenue in collaboration with Brendan Dolan. The title pays homage to the street Brian grew up on in the Bronx where he first learned so much of his music from his father Jim and later Martin Wynne. Brian also features over 20 of his top former and present students on a track on the CD showcasing Brian’s prowess as one of the greatest instructors teaching Irish music today. After some encouragement from a student and friend, Marilyn Stangl, they collaborated on an instructional book titled The Brian Conway Fiddle Method.
Brian remains faithful to the rich tradition handed down to him. The distinctness of his tone, the lift of his playing, and the deft ornamentation he brings to the tunes have placed him among the finest Irish fiddlers of any style, Sligo or otherwise. He has performed all over North America from San Francisco to New York and places in between such as Chicago, Milwaukee and Colorado. His talents have also been enthusiastically received throughout Ireland and the rest of Europe. He is also considered one of the premier instructors of traditional Irish music who has mentored many fine fiddle players, including several who have gone on to win All-Ireland championships.
Discography
Wallace Avenue - coming in 2025
Gailfean: Won't You Come Out Tonight, 2016
Pride of New York: Pride of New York, Compass Records, 2009
Consider The Source, Cló Iar-Chonnachta, 2008
A Tribute to Andy McGann, Cló Iar-Chonnachta, 2007
First through the Gate, Smithsonian Folkways, 2002
Irish in America: A Music Record of the Irish People in the United States, Folk Legacy, 2001
The Celtic Fiddle of Liz Knowles, Lyrichord Discs, 1998
From Shore to Shore, 1993
The Boston College Irish Fiddle Festival: My Love is in America, Green Linnet, 1991
The Rights of Man: The Concert for Joseph Doherty, Green Linnet, 1990
Playing with Fire: The Celtic Fiddle Collection, Green Linnet, 1989
Joe Burke: The Tailor's Choice, Green Linnet, 1983
The Apple in Winter - Brian Conway & Tony DeMarco, Green Linnet, 1981
NYTimes: A Mentor and a Student, Upholding an Irish Tradition - March 17, 2009
Journal News: Lawyer Excels in Sligo Performances - March 17, 2006
Wall Street Journal: The Prosecutor Plays the Irish Fiddle - March 16, 2006
NYTimes: The Sounds of County Sligo Find a Home in Westchester - April 24, 2005