Following up on the highly successful single “Bluefield Mountain Wind”, Turnberry Records is proud to announce the release of “Nora McNally”, the new single from award-winning bluegrass vocalist and guitarist Greg Blake.
Written by acclaimed songwriter Milan Miller, “Nora McNally” is a lively, story-driven tune that blends a charming love tale with the spirit and beauty of Ireland. Backed by stellar musicianship and Blake’s warm, resonant vocals, the single captures the heart of traditional bluegrass while celebrating the magic of the Emerald Isle.
“I’ve been a fan of Milan Miller’s songwriting for some time now. Everybody likes a good ‘how we met’ story, and this song combines that with another of my favorite things — all things Ireland: the land, the people, the music, and the spirit,” Greg shares. “I’ve made several trips to Ireland to play music … first with Jeff Scroggins and Colorado on three occasions, then with a ‘super band’ consisting of Blaine Spouse, John Reischman, Sally Van Meter, and Mark Schatz, then a solo tour, and the last two trips have been with my pals, The Special Consensus. The Irish are not just great fans — I’ve made dear, life-long friends there. Recording this song is an opportunity for me to celebrate that connection.”
Songwriter Milan Miller says, “‘Nora McNally’ is a fun ditty inspired by my fondness for Ireland, the people, and the music. Greg Blake and company have surely captured the true essence of the tune in a way more authentic than I could have imagined. I can’t wait for the world to hear it!”’
Blake recorded “Nora McNally” at The Recording Lab at East Tennessee State University, working with Prof. Dan Boner at the helm. Boner also helped assemble a group of young, exceptionally talented ETSU-connected musicians: Max Etling on bass, Jacob Metz on banjo and dobro, Ethan Church on mandolin, and 16-year-old Junior Master Fiddle Champion Noah Goebel on fiddle.
“I hope you enjoy our presentation of the lyrics and melody so much so that you find yourself tapping your toe and joining in on the chorus,” Blake adds. “Who knows … maybe ‘Nora McNally’ will be just the thing that pushes you over the edge to go ahead and take that long overdue trip to the Emerald Isle. Let me know when you’re going!”
With its infectious energy, authentic storytelling, and heartfelt performance, “Nora McNally” further cements Greg Blake’s place as one of today’s most engaging voices in bluegrass.
“Nora McNally” is available NOW on all digital music platforms and to radio via Get It Played.
Song Credits:
Greg Blake – Lead Vocal, Guitar
Max Etling – Bass
Jacob Metz – Banjo, Dobro
Ethan Church – Mandolin
Noah Goebel – Fiddle
Engineered and Mixed by Professor Dan Boner
The Recording Lab • East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Mastered by David Glasser • Airshow Mastering, Boulder, CO
Produced by Greg Blake & Prof. Dan Boner
Written by Milan Miller • Songs from the Stillhouse (SESAC)
MORE ON GREG BLAKE
Greg Blake was born and raised in the mountains of West Virginia. His voice carries the spirit of generations of mountain singers, blending a rich twang, rumbling drawl, and a soaring high tenor cry that helped define the ‘high, lonesome sound.’
A standout in the bluegrass world, Greg won the 2023 International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Male Vocalist of the Year Award and earned nominations in 2022, 2024, and 2025. He is also a five-time SPBGMA Guitarist of the Year winner with a 2024 nomination.
Since 2021, Greg has been the lead vocalist and guitarist for the award-winning Special Consensus, while also performing with his own band, Greg Blake and Hometown. His 2023 solo album People, Places, and Songs (Turnberry Records) earned praise from Bluegrass Today for its smooth vocals and top-notch material. Notable singles include “Tennessee Rain” with Rebekah Speer and Jeff Brown, “It Ain’t Their Heart That’s Breaking,” and collaborations like “Lazy Sunday” with Crandall Creek’s Carly Greer and “Out of Control Raging Fire” with Amanda Cook. His latest single, “Nora McNally” (written by Milan Miller), was released in August 2025.
