Keane displayed musical talent at an early age. Although he tried his hand at the accordion and fiddle, he felt most comfortable as a vocalist. Singing from the age of seven, he soon placed first in a singing competition at the Connaught Fleadh. By his late-teens, he had received 13 all-Ireland medals for his singing. Despite his involvement with music, Keane was initially drawn more to the theater. He starred in Druid's production of Merriman's poem The Midnight Court and a production of Tom McIntyre's play #Sheep's Milk on the Boil at the Abbey Theater. He did not fully commit himself to music until 1994. Throughout his musical career, Keane has balanced traditional music and modern compositions. All Heart, No Roses focused on traditional tunes, many of which Keane had learned from his grandmother. His second album, Turn a Phrase, released in April 1996, took a different approach and showcased contemporary songwriting. Keane's third album, No Stranger, released in July 1998, continued in a similar vein. Keane's current band features James Blennerhassett (bass, background vocals), Robbie Overson (guitar, background vocals), and Ted Ponsonby (guitar, background vocals). ~ Craig Harris, Rovi