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“Anam Cara” is Irish for “soulmates”, “Cara” means “friend”.

Cara was formed in 2003, rooted in Irish and Scottish traditional music, but with ambitions to create a new sound. Each of the musicians has made a name for themselves at home and abroad through their involvement in various projects and got together in this line-up to create the music of their dreams. Today, seven years later, after winning two Irish Music Awards („Best New Irish Artist“ in 2010 and the prestigious Award for „Top Group“ in 2011), Cara sets out for new heights with a change in line-up and a new album.

The new line-up is a truly multinational one, bringing together musicians from Scotland, Ireland and Germany, combining the exciting musical traditions of those countries to a unique band-sound.

„Cara sound like Cara - there can't be a higher recommendation“ – Folker! Magazine (Germany), Mike Kamp

Jeana Leslie (vocals, piano, fiddle) from scotland’s Orkney Islands, and Gudrun Walther (vocals, fiddle, diatonic accordion) from South Germany are in perfect command of their instruments but above all it is their voices that enthrall the audience. They bring new life to traditional ballads and their interpretations of their own songs are guaranteed to raise goosepimples! It would be difficult to find a more talented young musician to emerge from the vibrant Irish trad music scene than Co. Cork’s Ryan Murphy (uilleann pipes, flute, whistles) - anywhere! His brilliant technique, faultless style, unique tone and expressiveness have earned him seven All-Ireland and two Oireachtas titles on the pipes.

Jürgen Treyz (guitars) from South Germany has his own concept of “backing”. His sound is characterised by well thought out and exciting harmonic and rhythmic accompaniment and beautiful solos. His playing inspires and lifts the Cara sound. With Rolf Wagels the band adds Germanys best (and biggest) Bodhrán player if he‘s available. He has played in Germany, Ireland and the US with an ever growing impressive list of well-known musicians and bands.

But it’s not just their music that makes Cara so successful: there’s the charming and witty performance of the two front women, singing songs and telling tales of jealous lovers, daring young women, water-spirits and other curiosities and playing rousing jigs and reels.

The band is always very busy with appearances in Europe. They perform regularly at festivals and play sold-out concerts in France, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, UK, Austria, Switzerland and Germany.

2007 saw them touring the USA for the first time, and then once or twice every year – and all being very successful tours! Almost every single concert finished with standing ovations from the crowd. Cara played the main stages of some of America’s finest and biggest folk festivals, and shared the stage with such great bands as Dervish, Altan, Beoga and Cherish The Ladies. The majority of promoters re-booked the band immediately after the tour - something that according to the band’s agency, „Real Good Music“, doesn’t happen very often in this business.

"Cara's new album Long Distance Love sees a new line-up and a shift in gear for what is now one of the hottest Irish music bands on the international circuit. With this album, Cara have joined the ranks of Solas, Dervish and Altan, big tunes, big ideas and superb playing, what more would you want?"

Seán Laffey, Irish Music Magazine, June 2011