Alan Kelly Gang featuring Eddi Reader

I last saw Roscommon box-player Alan Kelly play live with this line-up in Dún Laoghaire, just over a year ago. It was a great concert, full of fire and passion, the quartet’s sound filling a large open-air venue with the help of one or two guests. Since then, the gang have been on the road, honing their performances. Www.AlanKellyGang.com has more information on what else they’re up to, but they seem to have put some of their best work onto this CD.. Alan’s piano accordion (no longer a black box – now a work of wooden art) is augmented by Tola Custy’s fiddle, Tony Byrne’s guitar, and the flutes and vocals of Alan’s protegée Steph Geremia. Guests include Jim Higgins, John Douglas, Boo Hewardine, Kevin McGuire, and Eddi Reader. There are three songs, all by American writers. Steph sings Tim O’Brien’s The Garden, a bittersweet lament of unfulfilled love, and the soulful parting ballad Journey’s End: her native Bronx burr cuts through the Galway brogue, giving a mid-atlantic feel to these tracks. She sings like a woman born to it, strong yet unforced, with easy tunefulness and a range of expression. Eddi Reader’s rendition of John Douglas’s Connemara is another ocean-straddling track, an Irish-American ballad sung with Eddi’s own combination of Hollywood and Holyrood.

The lion’s share of this CD is of course the accordion-led instrumentals, the piano box in the hands of a master who understands how to use both those hands to complement the melody. In what is generally a controlled and thoughtful recording, there are a few flashes of fire and plenty of passionate playing. Alan only presents three of his own compositions here, along with one of Steph’s, but he’s in great company: Frankie Gavin, Mairtin O’Connor, Vincent Broderick, Liz Carroll and Bobby Casey all contribute tunes, and there’s equally high quality from the unknown composers of several traditional jigs and reels. Alan’s slip jig Hopalong is lyrical enough to be a waltz, and starts a medley of jigs and reels finishing with a punchy Phil Cunningham tune. Golden Pipe combines Tola’s fiddling on a gorgeous air by Liam Lewis with a couple of grand old reels. Birdmaker starts with lovely delicate fluting from Steph, leading into her own Listmaker in Balkan mood. The music continues to impress with Charlie Lennon’s Dawn Chorus and Niall Vallely’s driving Oblique Jig, all four members fused into a tight wedge of sound. The final waltz for Alan’s grandmother is a delightful piece, underlining the easy grace and skill of The Alan Kelly Gang: beautiful music from master musicians, perhaps not as wild as their live performances but every bit as memorable. - Irish Music Magazine (Nov 2011)

I last saw Roscommon box-player Alan Kelly play live with this line-up in Dún Laoghaire, just over a year ago. It was a great concert, full of fire and passion, the quartet’s sound filling a large open-air venue with the help of one or two guests. Since then, the gang have been on the road, honing their performances. Www.AlanKellyGang.com has more information on what else they’re up to, but they seem to have put some of their best work onto this CD.. Alan’s piano accordion (no longer a black box – now a work of wooden art) is augmented by Tola Custy’s fiddle, Tony Byrne’s guitar, and the flutes and vocals of Alan’s protegée Steph Geremia. Guests include Jim Higgins, John Douglas, Boo Hewardine, Kevin McGuire, and Eddi Reader. There are three songs, all by American writers. Steph sings Tim O’Brien’s The Garden, a bittersweet lament of unfulfilled love, and the soulful parting ballad Journey’s End: her native Bronx burr cuts through the Galway brogue, giving a mid-atlantic feel to these tracks. She sings like a woman born to it, strong yet unforced, with easy tunefulness and a range of expression. Eddi Reader’s rendition of John Douglas’s Connemara is another ocean-straddling track, an Irish-American ballad sung with Eddi’s own combination of Hollywood and Holyrood.

The lion’s share of this CD is of course the accordion-led instrumentals, the piano box in the hands of a master who understands how to use both those hands to complement the melody. In what is generally a controlled and thoughtful recording, there are a few flashes of fire and plenty of passionate playing. Alan only presents three of his own compositions here, along with one of Steph’s, but he’s in great company: Frankie Gavin, Mairtin O’Connor, Vincent Broderick, Liz Carroll and Bobby Casey all contribute tunes, and there’s equally high quality from the unknown composers of several traditional jigs and reels. Alan’s slip jig Hopalong is lyrical enough to be a waltz, and starts a medley of jigs and reels finishing with a punchy Phil Cunningham tune. Golden Pipe combines Tola’s fiddling on a gorgeous air by Liam Lewis with a couple of grand old reels. Birdmaker starts with lovely delicate fluting from Steph, leading into her own Listmaker in Balkan mood. The music continues to impress with Charlie Lennon’s Dawn Chorus and Niall Vallely’s driving Oblique Jig, all four members fused into a tight wedge of sound. The final waltz for Alan’s grandmother is a delightful piece, underlining the easy grace and skill of The Alan Kelly Gang: beautiful music from master musicians, perhaps not as wild as their live performances but every bit as memorable. - Irish Music Magazine (Nov 2011)

As a self-confessed trad-tragic the “guilty pleasure” band for me at this year’s WOMADelaide was always going to be the Alan Kelly Quartet. For those not in the know Alan Kelly is a master trad player from the west of Ireland credited with (according to the official bio) “making the piano accordion hip again”. I have seen Kelly perform before as part of Eddi Reader’s band but this was the time I’ve managed to catch his work with the Quartet live.

There is one of two ways a traditional Irish group can go when it comes to a live show. They can either take the performance route and be standing on stage playing to the crowd or they can sit in a semicircle giving the audience a sense that they have stumbled in on a traditional Irish pub “session”. With the Alan Kelly Quartet the decision was definitely for the latter and as a result we were treated to a lovely intimate performance of the best in Irish music.

I was overwhelmingly impressed with Alan Kelly and his cohorts. Their mastery of their respective instruments was sublime and while Kelly himself is very obviously the driving force behind the group with his piano accordion this really felt like a true collective of musicians. My standout of the Quartet would have been flautist and vocalist Steph Geremia, originally from New York but currently living in Galway, Ireland, who’s lilting style matched perfectly with the fiddle, accordion and guitar. Her self composed piece “The List Maker” (about Kelly himself) was easily my favourite tune with its driving 7/8 rhythm.
Overall a wonderful performance. I also caught the Alan Kelly Quartet on Sunday as part of their workshop session where they explained the history and arrangements behind the tunes which was definitely worthwhile. If you get a chance to see Kelly while he’s here (and don’t worry if you don’t – he comes back almost every year either by himself or with Reader) then you’ll absolutely fall in love. - Timber and Steel - Australia (March 2011 WOMADelaide)

As a self-confessed trad-tragic the “guilty pleasure” band for me at this year’s WOMADelaide was always going to be the Alan Kelly Quartet. For those not in the know Alan Kelly is a master trad player from the west of Ireland credited with (according to the official bio) “making the piano accordion hip again”. I have seen Kelly perform before as part of Eddi Reader’s band but this was the time I’ve managed to catch his work with the Quartet live.

There is one of two ways a traditional Irish group can go when it comes to a live show. They can either take the performance route and be standing on stage playing to the crowd or they can sit in a semicircle giving the audience a sense that they have stumbled in on a traditional Irish pub “session”. With the Alan Kelly Quartet the decision was definitely for the latter and as a result we were treated to a lovely intimate performance of the best in Irish music.

I was overwhelmingly impressed with Alan Kelly and his cohorts. Their mastery of their respective instruments was sublime and while Kelly himself is very obviously the driving force behind the group with his piano accordion this really felt like a true collective of musicians. My standout of the Quartet would have been flautist and vocalist Steph Geremia, originally from New York but currently living in Galway, Ireland, who’s lilting style matched perfectly with the fiddle, accordion and guitar. Her self composed piece “The List Maker” (about Kelly himself) was easily my favourite tune with its driving 7/8 rhythm.
Overall a wonderful performance. I also caught the Alan Kelly Quartet on Sunday as part of their workshop session where they explained the history and arrangements behind the tunes which was definitely worthwhile. If you get a chance to see Kelly while he’s here (and don’t worry if you don’t – he comes back almost every year either by himself or with Reader) then you’ll absolutely fall in love. - Timber and Steel - Australia (March 2011 WOMADelaide)

Alan Kelly speaks a musical Esperanto that would put the most fluent polyglot to shame. On this, his third solo collection, the Roscommon piano accordionist bathes his generous spirit in Irish, Scottish, Breton and Asturian accents (with the subtlest nod in the direction of Louisana’s Acadian rhythms, too). Intertwined among the multi-ethnic layers of After The Morning are a suite of Kelly’s original compositions, each one a pristine, polished gem in its own right. Eolann epitomises Kelly’s dextrous, light-fingered style and thrives on a beautiful interplay between Kelly’s accordion and Tola Custy’s fiddle. Guest vocals from Eddi Reader and Kris Drever bring a new dimension to Kelly’s sound, but it’s the tunes that set him apart: a composer of substance and he’s a graceful musician utterly at home in his own skin. - Irish Times (June 2009)

Alan Kelly speaks a musical Esperanto that would put the most fluent polyglot to shame. On this, his third solo collection, the Roscommon piano accordionist bathes his generous spirit in Irish, Scottish, Breton and Asturian accents (with the subtlest nod in the direction of Louisana’s Acadian rhythms, too). Intertwined among the multi-ethnic layers of After The Morning are a suite of Kelly’s original compositions, each one a pristine, polished gem in its own right. Eolann epitomises Kelly’s dextrous, light-fingered style and thrives on a beautiful interplay between Kelly’s accordion and Tola Custy’s fiddle. Guest vocals from Eddi Reader and Kris Drever bring a new dimension to Kelly’s sound, but it’s the tunes that set him apart: a composer of substance and he’s a graceful musician utterly at home in his own skin. - Irish Times (June 2009)

Small Towns and Famous Nights is the début offering of the Alan Kelly Gang. The head honcho, Alan Kelly, is one of Ireland’s busiest musicians. His family history is steeped in Irish traditional music and he has a reputation for gathering the crème de la crème of the folk music world and creating great crowd pulling live performances. His latest tour de force is no exception, they have all being touring together for some time but this is their first step into the studio. The band features:

Tola Custy (fiddle)
Tola Custy is from Co. Clare and also from a background of traditional music. He has toured with many head-liners including Lúnasa, Grada and Guidewires.

Steph Geremia (flute & vocal)
Steph Geremia hails from New York but now lives in Ireland where she has rapidly built a reputation for her gifted flute playing. She has been in great demand and has toured with many bands including the Chieftains.

Tony Byrne (guitar)
And finally, Tony Byrne who hails from Dublin, he has his name on numerous sleeve credits and has been kept incredibly busy supporting the likes of Danu, Sharon Shannon, Michael McGoldrick, Gerry O’Connor, Paul Brady and Julie Fowlis.

Of course, no Alan Kelly album would be without guests and Small Towns and Famous Nights sees slots from Eddi Reader who also guested on his 2009 solo After the Morning. Also appearing are John Douglas of the Scottish band Trashcan Sinatra, singer and songwriter extraordinaire Boo Hewerdine, Kevin McGuire and long term collaborator Jim Higgins.

The bulk of the tracks are instrumental and sprinkled amongst them are three very fine songs. The Garden is a song written by reknowned American bluegrass and roots musician Tim O’Brien. It has a french waltz inspired opening, a nod to the wide and varied influences that weave through their music. Steph Geremia provides ample magic with her sweetened vocals and is one the albums highlights. Steph makes a second vocal appearance on The Journey where she demonstrates her ability to sing with a natural ease that is perfect for this album. Connemara is a song by John Douglas and features Eddi Reader on vocals and Boo Hewerdine on guitar. The song was inspired by stories passed down about John’s Connemara heritage. His great uncle, Colm Keane, was one of the many people that Seamus Ennis collected songs from on behalf of Alan Lomax. Those early recordings are a great heritage source for Irish traditional singers and musicians.

The larger instrumental offerings have a drive and energy that will keep the chill out of the coldest winter night. The opening Galway Reels kicks off with Alan’s accordion holding court with flute accompaniment from Steph Geremia before Tony Byrne takes the reins providing the energy and acoustic percussion, Jim Higgins later steps in to take over on bodhran. There is a natural flow to all their playing on this album. It comes from playing live sessions together over a long period of time. All those flourishes and embellishments are as much about knowing your fellow musicians and making that interplay work as well having a respect for the tradition which they all clearly do.

There is a nice mix of tempo and pace from the heady mix of reels to the more sedate opening air of Golden Pipe where Tola Custy’s fiddle playing really shines before the quickening pace is announced by Alan Kelly and Tony’s accordion/guitar combo reels. The album ends on Lollie’s Waltz, a beautiful piece that is dedicated to Alan’s grandmother.

Small Towns an Famous Nights is not the full on energy kick you might be expecting after seeing their live performances but it is a perfect celebratory mix of a long partnership with some of their favourite songs, airs, jigs and reels that the have featured whilst touring far and wide… despite being a studio recorded album it has that live feeling and possesses a warmth and vitality that makes it a winner in our books. - Folk Radio UK (Jan 2012)

Small Towns and Famous Nights is the début offering of the Alan Kelly Gang. The head honcho, Alan Kelly, is one of Ireland’s busiest musicians. His family history is steeped in Irish traditional music and he has a reputation for gathering the crème de la crème of the folk music world and creating great crowd pulling live performances. His latest tour de force is no exception, they have all being touring together for some time but this is their first step into the studio. The band features:

Tola Custy (fiddle)
Tola Custy is from Co. Clare and also from a background of traditional music. He has toured with many head-liners including Lúnasa, Grada and Guidewires.

Steph Geremia (flute & vocal)
Steph Geremia hails from New York but now lives in Ireland where she has rapidly built a reputation for her gifted flute playing. She has been in great demand and has toured with many bands including the Chieftains.

Tony Byrne (guitar)
And finally, Tony Byrne who hails from Dublin, he has his name on numerous sleeve credits and has been kept incredibly busy supporting the likes of Danu, Sharon Shannon, Michael McGoldrick, Gerry O’Connor, Paul Brady and Julie Fowlis.

Of course, no Alan Kelly album would be without guests and Small Towns and Famous Nights sees slots from Eddi Reader who also guested on his 2009 solo After the Morning. Also appearing are John Douglas of the Scottish band Trashcan Sinatra, singer and songwriter extraordinaire Boo Hewerdine, Kevin McGuire and long term collaborator Jim Higgins.

The bulk of the tracks are instrumental and sprinkled amongst them are three very fine songs. The Garden is a song written by reknowned American bluegrass and roots musician Tim O’Brien. It has a french waltz inspired opening, a nod to the wide and varied influences that weave through their music. Steph Geremia provides ample magic with her sweetened vocals and is one the albums highlights. Steph makes a second vocal appearance on The Journey where she demonstrates her ability to sing with a natural ease that is perfect for this album. Connemara is a song by John Douglas and features Eddi Reader on vocals and Boo Hewerdine on guitar. The song was inspired by stories passed down about John’s Connemara heritage. His great uncle, Colm Keane, was one of the many people that Seamus Ennis collected songs from on behalf of Alan Lomax. Those early recordings are a great heritage source for Irish traditional singers and musicians.

The larger instrumental offerings have a drive and energy that will keep the chill out of the coldest winter night. The opening Galway Reels kicks off with Alan’s accordion holding court with flute accompaniment from Steph Geremia before Tony Byrne takes the reins providing the energy and acoustic percussion, Jim Higgins later steps in to take over on bodhran. There is a natural flow to all their playing on this album. It comes from playing live sessions together over a long period of time. All those flourishes and embellishments are as much about knowing your fellow musicians and making that interplay work as well having a respect for the tradition which they all clearly do.

There is a nice mix of tempo and pace from the heady mix of reels to the more sedate opening air of Golden Pipe where Tola Custy’s fiddle playing really shines before the quickening pace is announced by Alan Kelly and Tony’s accordion/guitar combo reels. The album ends on Lollie’s Waltz, a beautiful piece that is dedicated to Alan’s grandmother.

Small Towns an Famous Nights is not the full on energy kick you might be expecting after seeing their live performances but it is a perfect celebratory mix of a long partnership with some of their favourite songs, airs, jigs and reels that the have featured whilst touring far and wide… despite being a studio recorded album it has that live feeling and possesses a warmth and vitality that makes it a winner in our books. - Folk Radio UK (Jan 2012)

Although Small Towns And Famous Nights is their first foray into the recording studio, accordionist Alan Kelly, fiddler Tola Custy, guitarist Tony Byrne and flute and whistle player Steph Geremia have an amazing rapport that comes from their many years of performing together on the live circuit. Individually recognised as among the finest exponents of their chosen instruments, when they get together they’re a force to be reckoned with as is evident from the opening notes of ‘Galway Reels’ which kicks off this exceptional album.

Largely instrumental, Small Towns… takes the Irish tradition as a starting point for musical adventure that also visits America, Brittany and Asturias on a collection that ranges from the high-octane ‘Grounded Reels’ to gentler material, including an atmospheric version of Liz Carroll’s ‘Breton Woods’.

Distinguished by their exceptional musicianship and Kelly’s inventive arrangements, particularly evident on traditional set ‘The Dawn Jigs’ and the brooding ‘Birdmaker’, this is instrumental work of the highest order and it’s complemented by three beautifully performed songs. Guest vocalist Eddi Reader lends her distinctive tones to ‘Connemara’ while Geremia assumes vocal duties for the remainder, turning in a great performance on unrequited-love song ‘The Garden’ and particulary on the moving ‘Journey’s End’. - R2 / ROCKnREEL (Feb 2012)

Although Small Towns And Famous Nights is their first foray into the recording studio, accordionist Alan Kelly, fiddler Tola Custy, guitarist Tony Byrne and flute and whistle player Steph Geremia have an amazing rapport that comes from their many years of performing together on the live circuit. Individually recognised as among the finest exponents of their chosen instruments, when they get together they’re a force to be reckoned with as is evident from the opening notes of ‘Galway Reels’ which kicks off this exceptional album.

Largely instrumental, Small Towns… takes the Irish tradition as a starting point for musical adventure that also visits America, Brittany and Asturias on a collection that ranges from the high-octane ‘Grounded Reels’ to gentler material, including an atmospheric version of Liz Carroll’s ‘Breton Woods’.

Distinguished by their exceptional musicianship and Kelly’s inventive arrangements, particularly evident on traditional set ‘The Dawn Jigs’ and the brooding ‘Birdmaker’, this is instrumental work of the highest order and it’s complemented by three beautifully performed songs. Guest vocalist Eddi Reader lends her distinctive tones to ‘Connemara’ while Geremia assumes vocal duties for the remainder, turning in a great performance on unrequited-love song ‘The Garden’ and particulary on the moving ‘Journey’s End’. - R2 / ROCKnREEL (Feb 2012)

At some point in the last few years, the Alan Kelly Quartet became the Alan Kelly Gang – and the change of moniker really suits the group, exuding, as they do, a real ‘gunslinger’ vibe as they line up on the stage. Proceedings are kicked off with the graceful Siena Waltz, a sublime Kelly composition, which sets the tone for the evenings music. A high standard that – over the course of the gig – will be maintained with what looks like consummate ease, as the gang New York-born Steph Geremia (flute and vocals) introduces a couple of tunes – one by Liz Carroll, the other a jaunty traditional Breton dance tune.
With the opening numbers under the belt the gang are visibly getting into the groove and loosening up, when the special guests join the fray. Scottish siren Eddi Reader and John Douglas (Trashcan Sinatras’ songwriter and guitarist) promise to add something delightful to the mix and they don’t disappoint either. On their first song – the Douglas-penned Wild Mountainside – Reader shows her remarkable vocal talent, and the crowd know that a special evening really is in prospect.

Tall, elegant and blessed with a Pre-Raphaelite beauty, Reader is a class act. Her status as one of the best ever vocalists to have graced these islands long assured, she gives a masterclass in how to sing a song. A few more of Douglas songs and a welcome sprinkling of songs by Robert Burns, her contribution on the night is perfectly in keeping with the style and quality of everybody on the stage.

In between the appearances of Reader and Douglas, the gang are clearly having a great time. The beautiful Steph Geremia’s haunting flute and Tola Custy’s energetic fiddle complementing Kelly’s own masterful accordion playing. Kelly is truly something. Wrestling with the unwieldy instrument, he makes sounds, which are unexpected and organic, but all the while it is sublime and complete.

At points in the night, the gang reach moments of soaring majesty – alternating between sombre and rollicking. The rollicking reaches an apogee when at one point Custy’s fiddle seems to explode with one (if not two) strings snapping and flying in the air. He beats a hasty retreat off stage for repairs while the rest of the gang don’t miss a beat. Before the end of the tune, Custy returns to an enthusiastic bout of applause, and completes the number.

Tonight’s gig is the first of an Irish tour to mark the release of the Alan Kelly Gang’s first official band album, Small Towns & Famous Nights. A highlight of the album is the song Connemara – written by Douglas and sung by Reader – and it’s a highlight of the gig as well. A controlled, measured song, everybody on the Linenhall stage contributes something to this beautiful piece of music.

The inevitable encore finishes the night off perfectly. A waltz dedicated to an elderly relative of Kelly – who is present in the audience – and a couple of reels, set up the perfect finale. Reader – who recorded an album of songs based on works by Scotland’s national bard Burns a few years ago – delivers what is perhaps the perfect version of My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose. Making every single word count, the singer melds seamlessly with the other musicians to round off a great concert.

Alan Kelly is fast becoming a national treasure. The piano accordion maestro has assembled a group – or gang – around him, who can complement his own amazing skills. Since he burst onto the scene over ten years ago, Kelly has been establishing himself a serious contender. On the evidence tonight in Castlebar, he is maturing into the kind of artist, he always promised he would become. There is a lot more to come from the Roscommon man, but in the meantime enjoy what he’s doing now, and try and see these guys as soon as you get the chance. - Irish Music Magazine (Jan/Feb 2012)

At some point in the last few years, the Alan Kelly Quartet became the Alan Kelly Gang – and the change of moniker really suits the group, exuding, as they do, a real ‘gunslinger’ vibe as they line up on the stage. Proceedings are kicked off with the graceful Siena Waltz, a sublime Kelly composition, which sets the tone for the evenings music. A high standard that – over the course of the gig – will be maintained with what looks like consummate ease, as the gang New York-born Steph Geremia (flute and vocals) introduces a couple of tunes – one by Liz Carroll, the other a jaunty traditional Breton dance tune.
With the opening numbers under the belt the gang are visibly getting into the groove and loosening up, when the special guests join the fray. Scottish siren Eddi Reader and John Douglas (Trashcan Sinatras’ songwriter and guitarist) promise to add something delightful to the mix and they don’t disappoint either. On their first song – the Douglas-penned Wild Mountainside – Reader shows her remarkable vocal talent, and the crowd know that a special evening really is in prospect.

Tall, elegant and blessed with a Pre-Raphaelite beauty, Reader is a class act. Her status as one of the best ever vocalists to have graced these islands long assured, she gives a masterclass in how to sing a song. A few more of Douglas songs and a welcome sprinkling of songs by Robert Burns, her contribution on the night is perfectly in keeping with the style and quality of everybody on the stage.

In between the appearances of Reader and Douglas, the gang are clearly having a great time. The beautiful Steph Geremia’s haunting flute and Tola Custy’s energetic fiddle complementing Kelly’s own masterful accordion playing. Kelly is truly something. Wrestling with the unwieldy instrument, he makes sounds, which are unexpected and organic, but all the while it is sublime and complete.

At points in the night, the gang reach moments of soaring majesty – alternating between sombre and rollicking. The rollicking reaches an apogee when at one point Custy’s fiddle seems to explode with one (if not two) strings snapping and flying in the air. He beats a hasty retreat off stage for repairs while the rest of the gang don’t miss a beat. Before the end of the tune, Custy returns to an enthusiastic bout of applause, and completes the number.

Tonight’s gig is the first of an Irish tour to mark the release of the Alan Kelly Gang’s first official band album, Small Towns & Famous Nights. A highlight of the album is the song Connemara – written by Douglas and sung by Reader – and it’s a highlight of the gig as well. A controlled, measured song, everybody on the Linenhall stage contributes something to this beautiful piece of music.

The inevitable encore finishes the night off perfectly. A waltz dedicated to an elderly relative of Kelly – who is present in the audience – and a couple of reels, set up the perfect finale. Reader – who recorded an album of songs based on works by Scotland’s national bard Burns a few years ago – delivers what is perhaps the perfect version of My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose. Making every single word count, the singer melds seamlessly with the other musicians to round off a great concert.

Alan Kelly is fast becoming a national treasure. The piano accordion maestro has assembled a group – or gang – around him, who can complement his own amazing skills. Since he burst onto the scene over ten years ago, Kelly has been establishing himself a serious contender. On the evidence tonight in Castlebar, he is maturing into the kind of artist, he always promised he would become. There is a lot more to come from the Roscommon man, but in the meantime enjoy what he’s doing now, and try and see these guys as soon as you get the chance. - Irish Music Magazine (Jan/Feb 2012)