Mayo cellist who was internet star during lockdown launches music collection

Mayo cellist Patrick Dexter, whose videos set against a Clew Bay background attracted ten million online views during Covid lockdown, has released a collection of his music, entitled ‘Cold Blue Atlantic Air'.

Known for his striking renditions of classical and traditional tunes, this release sees Dexter share his first release of his own original compositions.

This collection of pieces was recorded in the winter of 2022/2023 in his old stone cottage by the Atlantic’s edge with harpist Alannah Thornburgh, a native of Swinford who was twice nominated for RTÉ Folk Awards.

Harp and cello fuse with the inescapable sounds of the wild Atlantic breeze.

It leaves the listener with a sense that the winter winds are taking the warm sounds up into the hills and out to the ocean.

Oscar winning singer-songwriter Markéta Irglová said Patrick’s cello "sings amongst nature outside, tender, powerful, raw, passionate, sensual, just perfect!”

Inspired by winter swims in the North Atlantic, ‘Cold Blue Atlantic Air brings the power and earthiness of the cello and harp into direct contact with the ocean spray of the Atlantic.

It's an exploration into the most expressive areas of where classical meets Celtic folk, with a deeply personal touch.

A step away from his popular folk arrangements that have made him a global sensation on Twitter, Patrick brings new melodies that still touch something old and enduring.

Dexter is touring Brazil from March 10 to 20 and will perform at the Irish Embassy in Brasília.

Then, on March 25, he will be a guest speaker at Stormont at the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.