Album launch: Chunky Business
Oh Yeah Music Centre · Oh Yeah Music Centre
Schedule
- Friday 7 August · 2pm
About
Chunky Business
Gary Curley & Stephen McKee
Bringing their trademark "chunky" style to the fore, Gary Curley and Stephen McKee have combined accordion and banjo to create a sound that is rhythmically strong, grounded and distinctively their own.
In 2025, the duo released their debut album, Chunky Business. A playful nod to their signature style, the album introduces a musical partnership that is confidently presented, thoughtfully arranged and firmly open for Chunky Business.
About the Album
The album celebrates years of collaboration, drawing deeply from the traditions of Ulster while embracing influences from across Ireland.
Recorded in Gary's home studio, Chunky Business features a vibrant collection of reels, jigs and hornpipes, combining traditional repertoire with compositions from renowned musicians including Vincent Broderick, Liz Carroll, Paddy O'Brien and Máirtín O'Connor.
Each set reflects a lifetime immersed in traditional music, drawing on tunes learned from family members, tutors, friends and countless seisiúns.
The Musicians
A native of Boho, County Fermanagh, Gary Curley is an accomplished button accordion player, dedicated music teacher and graduate of Ulster University, where he earned a First-Class Honours degree in Music.
Stephen McKee, from Draperstown, County Derry, grew up in a musical family and is a respected multi-instrumentalist, best known for his dynamic tenor banjo playing and strong rhythmic drive.
The duo is joined by an outstanding line-up of guest musicians:
- Eoin McKee – bodhrán
- Ryan O'Donnell – bouzouki / tenor guitar
- John McCartin – guitar
- Gerry McMahon – guitar
- Rachael Masterson – keyboard
- Murdoch McKibbin – fiddle
Together, they add depth, texture and energy to the recording while complementing the duo's distinctive musical style.
A Celebration of Tradition & Friendship
At its heart, Chunky Business is a celebration of friendship, musical connection and the richness of the traditional music community.
The album captures the intuitive understanding developed over years of playing together and showcases two musicians deeply rooted in tradition while confidently bringing their own voice to it.
Listen:
https://garycurleystephenmckee.bandcamp.com/album/chunky-business
A vibrant celebration of Ulster traditional music, friendship and a uniquely chunky musical partnership.
Listing details
- Admission
- Free
This is an immutable listing snapshot from Belfast Fleadh 2026.