Rod Picott - Monday November 19 2012

Rod Picott plays BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Monday November 19, 2012, 9pm

www.rodpicott.com

Rod Picott

is the songs he sings. Since

before Woody Guthrie songwriters have

soaked their public image in the sepia

tones of the working life but Picott bears

the real life scars of living that life. Rod

Picott's songs are inhabited by sheetrock

hangers, drinkers, circus hands, boxers and working girls and he sings about his characters with intimacy. Listening to a Rod Picott album you can smell the gasoline on a mechanics hands and the perfume of lovers in dark corners.

The son of a welder and former Marine, Picott grew up in the small mill town of South Berwick, Maine. His father's record collection spanned

Ray Charles to John Philip Sousa and James Brown. His older brother introduced him to the punk poetry of Lou Reed and Patti Smith. The tall, wiry framed Picott worked construction jobs from his high school graduation until the release of his first cd, Tiger Tom Dixon's Blues in 2001.

In the Folk and Americana world

Ray Wylie Hubbard, Slaid Cleaves, Fred Eaglesmith have been declared some the best writers working and they have all recorded songs written or co-written by Rod Picott. Picott's "Broke Down" released on Rounder Records by co-writer and artist Slaid Cleaves became the most played song on Americana radio and was awarded the song of the year award at the Austin Music Awards. In 2010 "Broke Down" found new life in the soundtrack to the Brian Koppelman written and directed film Solitary Man starring Michael Douglas. In that same year Picott's song "Circus Girl" was featured in the PBS documentary Circus.

Rod Picott has released five solo cds and one cd with sometimes duo partner

Amanda Shires-- all to excellent reviews and extensive touring. Picott has been featured in No Depression magazine, on BBC 2 Radio London, Sirius/XM Radio and in Maverick magazine (U.K.) Picott has produced a CD for Rounder Records, toured as opening act for Alison Krauss and Union Station and played the prestigious Shrewsbury Folk and Maverick festivals in England and the Take Root & Blue Highways Festivals in Holland. The very definition of a modern troubadour Picott tours the U.S. in a Jeep Cherokee with a current odometer reading of 276,300 miles. Picott also tours annually in Europe and the U.K. to the tune of 130 plus shows yearly. Picott is lauded for his narrative and melodic songwriting, passionate delivery and darkly humorous onstage storytelling.

Rod Picott's

2011 release Welding Burns spent 10 straight weeks on the AMA chart and reached #1 on The FAR Chart. Picott was voted #1 Songwriter of the year #1 Male artist of the year and Welding Burns was voted the #5 CD release of 2011 by the FAR Chart reporters.

Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/picottrod?feature=results_main

Josh Harty - Monday, November 12 2012

http://www.joshharty.com/

Josh Harty plays BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Monday, November 12, 9pm.

Josh Harty is a messenger, a North Dakota songsmith whose lyrics fill the dark spots between the lines of our lives. ‘Nowhere’ is his latest album and if the disc's reception and his performance of the new material in the Europe are signs, Harty is poised to go a long, long way.

It doesn't get more Americana than Josh Harty. His father, both a preacher and the Police Chief of his boyhood small town, was also Harty's music mentor. "I was either going to jail, or to hell," Harty muses. That kind of humor, that hell-bound hope, is in the center of Harty's music. Music captured on the new disc, polished in performance in America, and now ready for another European tour in support of Nowhere.

Together with his father, Harty says he "sang in just about every church, Lions Club, Elks Club, and senior citizen center within 200 miles of Fargo." When his parents moved out of the area when Harty was a Senior in high school, his devotion to the school's music program and its director led him to relocate to an apartment with his older brother, 5 years his senior. They lived near the Empire Tavern in downtown Fargo, and for the impressionable young musician, watching the cast of characters come and go was like going to songwriting college. The hard life, lies and perseverance in the face of both, surface to the top of Harty's music like a beer mug ring left behind on a wooden bar top.

Those in the upper Midwest who have watched Harty grow since his move to Madison, Wisconsin in 2005 know what he can make happen live. His warm, woeful voice is buoyed by charismatic guitar playing. He can hush a bar room. When he lets his guitar do the talking audiences are carried all the way in.

“...something more like quiet contemplation and a refreshing restraint that lets his voice and lyrics claim the spotlight they deserve.”-Missoula Independent, Missoula Montanta

"An honest voice and fingers that seem to catch fire."-The Atlanta Music Guide, Atlanta GA

"A work of extreme intensity" reports the Lonestar Times of Italy, "with beautiful voice, warm and strong."

“The new songs are brave, and alarming. ‘Whiskey and Morphine’ is both a caution and a taunt of temptations. The album’s title track, “Nowhere,” makes that word a destination to be feared, a place only hope will keep away.”-Fearless Radio

Harty will capture your radio or television audience the same way he commands a bar room. And his live shows prove that good story telling combined with journeyman musicianship is as American as music gets. Meet the heart of Americana. Meet Josh Harty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=xjgFVkhnglo

Forthcoming BAG Gigs to Mid-December.

I'm continuing to bring the very best in acoustic music of many styles to Mick Murphy's Bar, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare. Here's the list of forthcoming dates for the rest of 2012's programme. Something for everyone, I'm sure you'll agree. Check back regularly for more info nearer each date. Unless otherwise stated all gigs start at 9pm (or very shortly afterwards) and admission is €12 on the door.


MARIA DOYLE KENNEDY (IRL)
(with Kieran Kennedy)

Monday November 5, 2012, 9pm

Leading Lady of Irish singer/songwriters. Touring critically acclaimed new CD - 'Sing'

www.mariadk.com

JOSH HARTY (USA)

Monday November 12, 2012, 9pm

Alt. Country/Folk/Roots. Superb young U.S. singer/songwriter.

www.joshharty.com

ROD PICOTT (USA)

Monday November 19, 2012, 9pm

Alt. Country/Roots. Renowned multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter.

www.rodpicott.com

BUDDY MONDLOCK (USA)
(with Mike Lindauer, Bass)

Monday November 26, 2012, 9pm

Folk - Superb singer/songwriter touring with long awaited new CD.
Accompanied by excellent fretless bassist, Mike Lindaeur.
www.buddymondlock.com

THE LOST BROTHERS (IRL)

Monday December 3, 2012, 9pm
Roots/Acoustic/Vocal harmonies.

"...like Hank Williams whispering a secret to The Everly Brothers"

Just back from successful US Tour supporting Glen Hansard. Touring with new CD - 'The Passing of The Night'. One of the most exciting acts to emerge from the Irish scene in years.
www.thelostbrothersband.com

DECLAN SINNOTT (IRL)

Monday December 10, 2012, 9pm

Legendary Irish guitarist/producer/sideman touring with debut solo CD - 'I Love The Noise It Makes'

www.declansinnott.com



That's your lot for this year, folks! Lots more to come from late January 2013.

Maria Doyle Kennedy - Monday, November 5 2012

Maria Doyle Kennedy, accompanied by her husband, Kieran, plays BAG at Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare on Monday November 5 at 9pm sharp. There are no advance ticket sales, and space is limited, so come early to avoid dissappointment. Admission: €12 on the door. http://www.mariadk.com/ See below for video clips. Maria Doyle Kennedy is an award winning singer, songwriter and actress. Best known by some for her acting role in 'The Tudors', by others for her role in 'The Committments', and by yet more for her early appearances with Hothouse Flowers, and later The Black Velvet Band. ... However you know her work, you'll be acutely aware of the immense talent she possesses. Together with her husband, songwriter/guitarist/producer, Kieran Kennedy, Maria has been producing music of the hight calibre since the 80's. With six solo albums under her belt, she is one of Ireland's most highly regarded female artists. Maria has recently released her sixth solo album - 'Sing' to critical acclaim.   "Maria Doyle Kennedy - 'Sing' ‘I’ve found my voice.’ As statements of intent go, it’s a bold one. The line can be found in Maria Doyle Kennedy’s ‘The Silence’, from her third album of original songs, written and recorded with long-term partner-incrime Kieran Kennedy. Entitled 'Sing', it’s a richly imagined record, one that marries folk forms with torch-song melodies and draws on flamenco rhythms, avant-rock, Celtic, Mediterranean and Appalachian airs. There are misty mountain songs like ‘Sing From the Sea’, with its serpentine twelve-string figures and dusky soul vocals. There’s the spellbound ‘Hola Luna’, a Celtic fable in the form of a perfect pop tune. Then the harmony-laden Dusty country-soul of ‘The Most Beautiful People Are Broken’, the woozy, swoony ‘12 White Horses’, the Nilsson-ish cool hand on the brow that is ‘Am I Choosing Right’. Over the span of ten meticulously crafted songs, Sing casts ethereal spells, oblivious to worldly babble. No matter how distinguished the guests, they all become transformed in some fashion: Damien Rice changes from a dark balladeer to a man transfixed by sirens. Paul Brady is recast as a Strabane-Andalusian banshee, barely recognizable as himself. And the great John Prine duets on the lovely ‘Yes We Will’, assuring the listener that the two people in this song will go on, because they must. Sing is a subtle but powerful record, one that deals in the currencies of joy and doubt, magic and grief. These are wise, measured and sometimes tender airs, sung by a woman at the peak of her creative powers, arranged, produced and played by a man at the height of his. These songs, we’ll wager, will soundtrack baptisms, revels, weddings and wakes. They might bury us yet." Peter Murphy. Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/mermaidrecords?feature=results_main

Ben Reel - Monday October 22 (+ support) 9pm sharp.

www.benreel.com

Ben Reel plays BAG at Mick Murphy's Stage Inn, Ballymore Eustace, Monday October 22, 9pm -  with support from Internationally acclaimed and Grammy nominated Flamenco guitarist, Cano (see below)

Ben Reel plays rock with a touch of roots, blues & soul with an occasional injection of reggae. Critically acclaimed all over Europe, his vocals are soulful and his lyrics meaningful. Lately Ben has earned the respect and shared the stage with some Nashville greats like Nancy Griffith, Hal Kethcum, Eric Andersen & David Olney

Since his debut back in 1999, each album has gone from strength to strength, covering different styles of music along the way from rock, soul, and roots to reggae to funk. Ben’s music has evolved into an honest earthy, soulful sound that has matured like a fine wine. This can be heard on this new 18 song collection.

In the last 10 years he has had numerous high profile TV & Radio appearances and airplay under his belt including Bob Harris BBC Radio 2 and has supported celebrated names like Jools Holland, Alabama 3 and The Cranberries. He has performed his radio hit U People with the late great Ian Dury’s legendary Blockheads , and has recorded the song with award winning saxophonist Gilard Atzman. The song U people will feature on the new compilation.

Also over the last 5 years Ben has enjoyed successful tours in Europe, receiving rave reviews and attracting a growing fan base which has lead to being invited to play the prestigious Dutch festival Huntenpop (www.huntenpop.nl) August 2010 . Along the way he has played with some of the finest musicians in Ireland and has built a loyal underground following. Often described as an artist lying beneath the radar for way too long. 2011 was a busy year with showcase gigs in Nashville & Memphis in and tours in Germany ,Holland and Belguim.

Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lKEQxvfD13c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0Szfrc7YV40

Support on the night comes from Internationally acclaimed and Grammy nominated Flamenco guitarist, Cano. Cano (Juan Antonio Suarez) is in Ireland for the second Dublin Flamenco Festival and comes to spread the beauty and passion of Flamenco guitar. Cano will take the stage at 9pm sharp.

Music and videos:
http://canoflamenco.com/index.php/en/multimedia

Forthcoming BAG Gigs

In continuing to bring the very best in Live Music to Ballymore Eustace, here is the line up for the rest of this year. There will be further detailed posts in time, but here's the bare bones.



 BROOKS WILLIAMS (USA)

Monday October 15 2012, 9pm Sharp

One of the best Blues/Roots artistes you'll ever see.

www.brookswilliams.com

Add caption

BEN REEL (IRL) 

Monday October 22 2012, 9pm

Contemporary Folk/Roots

www.benreel.com

MARIA DOYLE KENNEDY (IRL)
(with Kieran Kennedy)

Monday November 5, 2012, 9pm

Leading Lady of Irish singer/songwriters. Touring critically acclaimed new CD - 'Sing'

www.mariadk.com

JOSH HARTY (USA)

Monday November 12, 2012, 9pm

Alt. Country/Folk/Roots

www.joshharty.com

ROD PICOTT (USA)

Monday November 19, 2012, 9pm

Alt. Country/Roots

www.rodpicott.com

BUDDY MONDLOCK (USA)
(with Mike Lindauer, Bass)

Monday November 26, 2012, 9pm

Folk - Superb singer/songwriter touring with long awaited new CD.

www.buddymondlock.com

THE LOST BROTHERS (IRL)

Monday December 3, 2012, 9pm

"...like Hank Williams whispering a secret to The Everly Brothers"

Just back from successful US Tour supporting Glen Hansard. Touring with new CD - 'The Passing of The Night'
www.thelostbrothersband.com

DECLAN SINNOTT (IRL)

Monday December 10, 2012, 9pm

Legendary Irish guitarist/producer/sideman touring with debut solo CD - 'I Love The Noise It Makes'

www.declansinnott.com



That's your lot for this year, folks! Lots more to come from late January 2013.

Brooks Williams - Monday October 15, 2012



Brooks Williams



www.brookswilliams.com

Brooks Williams plays Mick Murphy's, Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare, Monday October 15, 9pm sharp (No support). Admission: €12 on the door. Doors: 8:30pm.

A musician of staggering depth and breath, with an easy-going vocal delivery, groove-laden songs, and monstrous guitar chops, Blues In The Northwest says: “Definitely one of the best things I have heard this year!” Blues Matters proffers “…classy, tasteful, bright and hugely enjoyable!”

Brooks Williams is one of the premier guitarists, singers and songwriters on the Roots n’ Blues scene. Lauded as one of the Top 100 Acoustic Guitarists of all time, Williams has been wowing audiences worldwide for nearly 24-years with his silky voice, hook-laden songs, and rollicking acoustic and resonator slide guitars, every night delivering the deepest and most intense interpretations of everything from early blues songs to his recent original compositions. The San Antonio Light calls him “a fret monster who has to be seen to be believed!”

Brooks Williams was born in Statesboro, Georgia (USA), the town put on the map by Blind Willie McTell in his song, Statesboro Blues. There’s something in the thick humid air and the deep red clay that informed Williams’ earliest guitar and song explorations. But it wasn’t until he reached the thriving club scene in Boston, Massachusetts (USA) in his late teens, where he played 5-6 nights a week, that Williams’ southern bluesy roots came to the foreground. The mid-week gigs were typically in raucous university clubs or in wild biker bars (and had a distinctively Blues Brothers feel to them!) with Williams playing for four hours without stopping. The weekend gigs were in quiet reverent coffeehouses where audiences hung on every note and lyric. In the land between these two extremes is where Williams developed his voice and learned his trade.
Thousands of miles, 17 CDs, and 24-years later, Brooks Williams, now based in Cambridge (UK), continues to play everywhere from Dallas to London, Istanbul to Boston, Belfast to Toronto, and Detroit to Nairobi. He has gigged with Taj Mahal, John Hammond, Paul Jones, Billy Bragg, Little Feat, Leo Kottke (amongst others), and has performed at the Ards Guitar Festival, Trowbridge Festival, Kerrville Festival, Priddy Festival, Crawley Blues Festival, Guitar Stars Festival, and Marlborough Jazz Festival.
His stunning 2010 recording Baby O!, produced and recorded in the UK by Williams and Andy Bell (Seasick Steve, The Demon Barbers, Kerfuffle), features standard blues alongside original songs. It has been played on BBC Radio Two, CBC (Canada), National Public Radio (US), RTE (IRE), and has been featured in Maverick, Rock N’ Reel, Acoustic, and been lauded by the likes of Scotland On Sunday, The Irish News and Ctrl Alt Country (Belgium), fRoots, and Blues Matters.

Videos: 'Statesboro Blues' - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOOjh-ayEHA

'Old Blue' - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nypDOby2P3g

plus lots more: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=brooks+williams

Kevin Doherty - Monday October 8 2012

Kevin Doherty

www.kevindoherty.ie

I'm delighted to welcome Kevin Doherty back to Ballymore Eustace where over the years he has appeared many times, though its been a while sine his last appearance. However, on Monday, October 8 we'll put that right! Doors 8:30pm, Showtime 9pm. €12 on the door.

Kevin has recently released his new album ' Seeing Things', a review of which can be found at the link below- suffice to say: it's a cracker. Kevin is a wonderful performer: powerful and charasmatic on stage, his underlying humility and sensitivity shines through as he draws his audience in with charm and sincerity. When we look back at year's end, this one will be a highlight, trust me.

Bio:

Kevin Doherty was born in Buncrana, Co Donegal. He came to music through records and radio rather than a handed down tradition. He was though, aware of the power of song - the rapt face of the singer gathered up from the here and now and transported to the romantic heart of the night. In his teens he began playing with a number of successful local bands, as they packed out hotels and halls. Bluegrass, country, folk, rock, blues, jazz, swing and trad all combined on the night. It was here that Kevin learnt to love the ritual of the dance.

In 1991 he was asked to join traditional group 'Four Men and a Dog'. The band was at a formative stage and Kevin was delighted to take up the offer. Countless concert tours followed and six albums were recorded. Two of their records 'Dr As' and 'Long Roads' were recorded in Levon Helm's studio in New York after the band (Four Men and a Dog!) accepted an offer from Levon to come to Woodstock. As he put it himself 'hell it never did Muddy Waters any goddamn harm'. The main facilitator was the excellent producer and musician Aaron Hurwitz. Aaron also produced Kevin's first solo record at Levon's place. That album was 'Strange Weather'. Kevin was joined by fellow 'dog' Gerry O'Connor on the record which also had guest appearances by Levon on drums, and Rick Danko on vocals and bass. At that time Kevin accompanied Rick and Aaron on a number of road trips up and down the eastern seaboard playing club shows, as Rick expounded on the importance of vitamin C in a cold climate, dance nights in Ontario and a detailed description of how Charlie Feathers laced cigarette papers through the strings of his guitar to achieve his trademark rythmic clatter...

Returning to Ireland Kevin formed one of his most enduring musical friendships with the great James Delaney. They toured together as a duo and then with an expanding line up that included Henry McCullough. They soon went into the studio to record Kevin's second solo album 'Sweetwater'. Kevin has combined 'solo' and 'Dog' work ever since and along with James, Paul Moore, Conor Brady, Des Lacey and Paul Rodden he formed the group 'Telegraph'. The show was devised by Kevin with Alan Farquharson and Eleanor Methven and featured a contiguous assortment of songs and specially commissioned films by Alan, Kieron Walsh and Enda Mc Callion. The album received a 5 star review in the Irish Times - declaring it 'one of the albums of the year'.

A lifetime of observing and absorbing has led to Kevin's latest album... 'Seeing Things'.

Read a review of 'Seeing Things' here:

http://www.kevindoherty.ie/news_and_reviews.php