Bastard Bearded Irishmen
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States | SELF
Music
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The Bastard Bearded Irishmen, which formed in honor of a friend who died, draws influence from traditional Irish music and bands such as The Pogues and Flogging Molly. - Dan Nephin, The Patch
First: The Bastard Bearded Irishmen is a slightly misleading name for this band, as there's clearly at least one member who is neither bearded nor a man. With that out of the way: If you think you might like a band with a name like "The Bastard Bearded Irishmen," you'll definitely like this band. Several originals and a few traditional covers ("Molly Malone," "Whiskey In the Jar") from a local, semi-traditional Irish-rock band (think mandolin, fiddle, electric guitar), done quite well. If you're not the type who goes in for this kind of music there's nothing here to change your mind, most likely – except maybe spending a night at the pub with them. - Pittsburgh City Paper
Just to dissolve whatever mystery there might be as to what kind of music they play, this Pittsburgh band went ahead and called itself Bastard Bearded Irishmen.
The mission, of course, is to provide the city with its own home-brewed taste of that acoustic-punk-Celtic blend popularized by The Pogues, Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly.
The band had bittersweet beginnings, forming several years ago in honor of a friend. Jim Smerecky, who sings and plays guitar and banjo, used to be a punk band called Ragweed with George H. Evans IV. The latter moved to Las Vegas and died in a car accident in 2004.
Because Evans loved Celtic punk, they put together a tribute night for him -- and then kept on playing, bashing out a rowdy repertoire of drinking songs, from classics like "Whiskey in the Jar" to such originals as "Drinkem', Drankem', Drunkem'."
It did require a little education to get there. Mr. Smerecky, of Castle Shannon, is joined by mandolin/banjoist Danny Rectenwald (who has a master's degree in classical guitar), classically trained violist Rachel Karras, guitarist/whistler Jon Pitcher, bassist Ben Jaber and drummer Dan Stocker.
At times, like family festivals, you might see them listed as BBI or Bearded Irishmen, but the rowdiness doesn't change.
The release show is at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Altar Bar, Strip District, with The Sablowskis. Admission is $6; or $12 with a CD at the door. Call 412-263-2877. - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
One of the Bastard Bearded Irishmen isn't bearded.
She's Rachel Karras, a classically trained viola player and the lone lass in the Pittsburgh-based Irish rock band, which releases its debut album tonight with an 8:30 p.m. show at Altar Bar in the Strip District.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen's upbeat mix of Celtic rock, punk, acoustic and Irish folk music calls to mind the majestic triumvirate of the Pogues, Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly.
"You're more likely to believe these guys are from Dublin than the South Hills of Pittsburgh," WDVE-FM morning man Randy Baumann said. "No band from Pittsburgh makes me want to drink more."
Aye, the Bastard Bearded Irishmen do like to sing about drinking, whether it be a classic tune like "Whiskey in the Jar" or their original drink-to-forget-about-work anthem "Drinkem', Drankem', Drunkem'."
Far more than some party band, the sextet is blessed with deft musicianship. Mandolin-banjo player Danny Rectenwald has a master's degree in classical guitar.
The Altar Bar show starts at 8:30 p.m. with the Sablowskis, who probably aren't Irish. The cover is $6. For $12, the Bastard Bearded Irishmen will throw in their self-titled CD. - Beaver County Times
"You're more likely to believe these guys are from Dublin than the South Hills of Pittsburgh. An immensely talented and dedicated group of musicians that could hold their own on stage with The Pogues, Flogging Molly or Dropkick Murphys. No band from Pittsburgh makes me want to drink more." - Randy Baumann, WDVE Morning Show
Discography
The Bastard Bearded Irishmen, Self Titled, 2011
Photos
Bio
The Pittsburgh-based Bastard Bearded Irishmen fill the void of Irish rock n’ roll between Boston and LA. They are cutting their own path, inspired by bands like The Dubliners, The Pogues, Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly with an original, ferocious blend of rock, punk, acoustic and traditional, as well as contemporary Celtic.
Bastard Bearded Irishmen, or BBI, began playing bars and small venues and since October 2008, have expanded their resume to include citywide events such as Pittsburgh Irish Festival and Shamrockin’. Through great music, energetic performance, friendly attitudes and intricacies that only the Irishmen can provide, they have quickly become one of Pittsburgh’s favorite Celtic rock bands.
Their formula is simple: upbeat tunes about beer, whiskey, booze and pretty lasses. They’ll play classics like “Black Velvet Band” and “Whiskey in the Jar,” and rock you with originals like “Mutiny” and “Drinkem’, Drankem’, Drunkem’.”
Although they are the consummate musical professionals (Danny has a Master’s degree in classical guitar, Rachel is a classically trained violist), these guys also know how to have fun and definitely don’t take themselves too seriously. The music will be great, you’ll want to tap your toe or dance and they promise that you will be entertained and left begging for more!
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