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Well, it was St Patrick’s after all and, even though I don’t indulge in the ‘Black Stuff’, I thought it would be a good idea to go to the Keel Row as I had heard that this ‘Good time Irish/Celtic band were rather special. Indeed, just the night before the gig I noticed that they were appearing on Paddy McDee’s show on BBC Radio Newcastle. They did an excellent two song performance which was broadcast live on the Thursday night show. The three members of the band (two from Bedlington and one from Cochrane Park), Brian, Ian & Tom, spent all day Friday performing three separate gigs around the region, the last of which was at the Keel Row. They must have been knackered by the time they arrived for the evening show, but they didn’t show it. This was, of course, their busiest day of the year, but they perform regularly around the region on the main circuit. Just outside Seaton Delaval village, This particular night The Keel Row had Guinness at £1.50 and free Irish stew too. It all added to a growing party atmosphere as the band arrived. What more could ya’ want? Oh! Yes, of course…Good Music. “Granny Smiths Maggot” soon obliged. First I must mention Tom’s violin/fiddle. This is apparently an original Guinarius from 1717. . It soon became apparent that this beautifully crafted instrument was in the hands of a musical craftsman. (It seemed slightly ironic that the name Guinarius could almost be a made up word combining ‘Guinness’ and ‘Stradivarius’, quite apt for St Patrick’s night with an Irish band.) Tom also plays the Mandolin Guitar. Brian plays Mandola (a large Mandolin type instrument with the ‘C’ course tuned a fifth below the Mandolin) Drum and guitar. Ian plays Guitar, Mandolin and Penny Whistle and provides the lead vocal too. (The other also provide complimentary vocals.) He seems to have kissed the ‘Blarney Stone’ as his audience banter is amusing and well honed (an essential ingredient for a ‘good time Irish band’.) What stood out immediately was the fact that these guys thoroughly enjoy themselves. They love what they do and they feed off the audience reaction. Announcing that their set would consist of ‘three halves,’ they launched into the first ‘half’ and immediately had people clapping and singing along. I can’t profess to be very knowledgeable about this kind of music and have to admit that I didn’t know the names of most songs they played, so I nicked a set list. Some songs, of course, anyone would know, and most of the others were instantly recognised when they played them. This performance was about musicianship and a good time for all! I thought it strange that “Danny Boy” (about the only Irish standard that I do know well) was not on the set list, but this was added ‘by popular request’ in the ‘third half’ of their performance. The songs ranged from traditional Irish folk, to ‘sad ballads’ and even an amazing and original rendition of Thin Lizzy’s “Whisky in the Jar” segued with “Erin Shore”. Their version of The Pogues “Fairytale of New York” was equally well crafted. Other gems like "Wild Rover” had the audience clapping and singing along throughout all ‘three halves’ of the show. It would be somewhat false of me to detail the entire set list, as I did not know them all by name, so I have name checked only those I do know in an attempt to disguise my total ignorance. Not that it mattered though because I, like so many, was too busy clapping and singing with the 24 song ‘sing-along’ to give a damn. I found it quite captivating to watch Tom playing his Guinarius as though it were simply an extension of his soul stuck under his chin. This fella’ can really play! I noticed many people in the audience looking at each other and nodding in quiet amazement at his talented mastery of his instrument. This is not to decry the others in any way though. Together they form a masterful Irish band and provide everything one could ask for. Skilled playing, good atmosphere, humour and an obvious joy in what they do. They even played one or two of their own songs, written, I believe by Ian. All round, a bloody good night! Don’t make the mistake of thinking that this type of music is limited in any way to St Patrick’s Day, or Irish Centres. Far from it! It’s atmospheric and entertaining, light and poignant and, perhaps above all, it commands audience participation. The band has had requests for recorded material at their gigs and they are, I understand, in the process of recording so they can fulfil the demand. Book them for your venue or go and see them.
