As the daughter of Irish immigrants and a proud Irish American, tradition, culture and music has been a vital part in Eileen Ivers’ career. Eileen got into music at a young age. At the age of eight, she began to play the fiddle, essentially the folk name of a violin. The violin had a hold over young Eileen, something that has brought her both fiddle and fortune in connection with her heritage.
Although she can be considered a traditional Irish fiddle player, Eileen sees herself as a musician of all kinds. She incorporates folk music, Americana elements and global fusion into her works. Because of this, the audiences at her performances will not just hear the Irish folk music genre, but also Bluegrass, Cajun and French-Canadian to name a few.
Her music career is one she never really dreamt of. Eileen shared how she attended Iona University in pursuit of a mathematics degree. “When you’re in your college years, you think you know what you’re planning on,” she said. With the possibilities of pursuing aeronautical engineering, the musical opportunities also flourished. Multiplying the numbers led to the product of a musical career for Eileen.
Eileen explained that her math degree enhances her understanding of musical terms. Music and math are intertwined in the basics of harmony and structure within music. She finds a strong association through the octave being “a two to one ratio,” a fifth harmony being “three to two”. Eileen firmly believes that this mathematical structure fuels into a musician’s brain through both learning and composing. From arrangements for bands or orchestral settings, “all of it is mathematics.”
Eileen has had the opportunity to sing with Sting, Patti Smith, Al Di Meola, Hall and Oates and The Chieftains over the years. These experiences helped her learn how to interact with various types of artists and audiences.
Eileen has also worked on the “Back to the Titanic” and “Gangs of New York” movie soundtracks, which she has shared feels like “completely different art forms.” Through the recording process of “Back to the Titanic,” she recorded a song at the AIR Studios in London founded by Sir George Martin and played with the London Symphony.
After leaving Riverdance, a musical dance production out of Ireland, she wanted to indulge in a new, creative outlet. The Universal Roots, a band originally established in 2000, became Eileen’s personal project. However, Universal Roots didn’t always have that name. Initially named “Immigrant Soul,” it truly became Universal Roots in 2015 when band members changed.
Eileen Ivers and the Universal Roots have performed at the Grand Ole Opry, a venue dedicated to honoring country music and its tradition. She recalls the incredible time filled with 4,000 people in the audience fondly. The legendary bluegrass singer Ricky Skaggs joined in on the performance. Eileen felt the privilege to showcase Irish music on this grand stage.
The improvisation of performing live on stage breaks down that “fourth wall” from the stage into the audience. Eileen finds joy in meeting those in attendance, hearing stories of their Irish heritage, and speaking with them in the lobby after shows. Music creates experiences and experiences create connection. “Music is a universal language. We are all more similar than not.”
Eileen just toured in Ireland on what she calls the “Wild Atlantic Music Tour,” a week all over Western Ireland. The tour does not only consist of concerts, but also working with younger musicians, indulging in the culture and speaking the native language.
Eileen feels inspired “to see Irish music coming back more and more is a great testament to the love of the land that these generations are showing.”
“Nearer My God to Thee” from “Back to the Titanic” is one of the songs included in a set of tunes about the immigrant experience that truly shows what Ireland is about in this upcoming tour. The audience can expect fresh and new pieces performed at the Quick Center, while also being surprised with classic songs. The audience can also anticipate a violin piece into a tune called “Walk On,” mixing Irish and Cajun beats to describe the immigrant experience.
Eileen Ivers and the Universal Roots are performing at the Quick Center for the Arts on Sunday, March 1 at 3pm. Tickets cost $5 for Fairfield University students, $25 for Quick Center members, and $35 for general admission. Prepare your fiddle and be sure to get your ticket now!
