Tupelo

The welcome tide of new bands in the Dublin area influenced by bluegrass continues to rise. Aran Sheehan, recently back from the Far East, reports:

I met some musicians a few months back and it all came together, and we are called 'Tupelo'! One of the guys - James, who plays guitar and sings - writes all the songs. So there are no covers, but words have been put to some blatant bluegrass progressions. Anyway it's quite exciting, as James seems to have an endless stream of songs coming from him and we find ourselves having to learn two or three songs every week. A great, natural fiddle player called Kevin Duffy joined us last week and it feels like it's kicking into place. Whilst James plays rhythm and sings, Paul plays lead acoustic guitar, Tim plays sax, and Damo plays the big fiddle. Everyone joins in harmonies and it's all acoustic, but I'm afraid it's not a bluegrass band and I wouldn't dream of advertising it as such.

We are very much in our infancy right now but there's a lot of energy there, so we will explore it and see where it takes us. Between myself and the fiddle player's influence and the style of songs that James is coming out with in recent weeks, it's starting to sound bloody Americana/Progressive Acoustic/Singer-Songwriters (whatever that means!)... Anyhoo it looks like it's all going in a good direction and if you have the time, pop into the Cobblestone on Friday 27 February as we are playing the Tumbleweed Love Sessions on that night.

Update 28 Jan.

After our initial report two days ago, Aran adds:

We are playing on Country Mix 106.8 FM on Saturday 7 February from 2.00 p.m.; so if you are in the car, spin that dial and check us out. We are also booked to play at Bruin's pub, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, on Sunday 8 February (no cover charge) and at Whelan's on Sunday 15 March (€10 cover charge).