BarryGruff Unplugged: Paddy Hanna + Wayfarer :: Saturday, March 1st :: The Liffey Studio, Newbridge

Paddy Hanna Newbridge 2014

BarryGruff Unplugged #3: Paddy Hanna + Wayfarer | March 1st – The Liffey Studio, Newbridge –  Doors: 7:30pm | €5/€7

Following the success of previous BarryGruff Unplugged shows, we’re back with round #3 on March 1st. Part three looks an exciting proposition with Paddy Hanna and Wayfarer joining us in the intimate surroundings of The Liffey Studio.

The show is €5 if you book in advance or €7 on the night. The cheap list is limited so if you would like to reserve a spot, email your name to: barrygruff[at]gmail[dot]com – with ‘Cheap List’ in the subject title.

:: Paddy Hanna ::

Probably best known as lead singer in Grand Pocket Orchestra and drummer in No Monster Club, this year however, Paddy Hanna has stepped out on his own, releasing his debut solo album ‘Leafy Stilleto’ and attracting rave reviews in the Irish media since its release in January. The young man from Dublin is in a somewhat more laid back and relaxed mood than before, creating a warm and well-structured collection of gorgeous indie tunes. He was brilliant at Electric Picnic and since then we’ve been working hard to bring Paddy Hanna to Newbridge, and delighted we finally got our man.

:: Wayfarer ::

Wayfarer are folk duo Sam Devlin & Rachel Boland from Co. Kildare. The name might be familiar, having played a few BarryGruff shows, wooing audiences in the process, with their beautiful country folk sounds and alluring harmonies. They have been busy working on a forthcoming EP but thankfully found time to squeeze in a much welcome Newbridge show.

Wayfarer – ‘Dusk On The Green Bus Line’

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Wayfarer are a folk trio – Sam Devlin, Rachel Boland and Dan Shanahan – based in or around the Newbridge area. 

The name may seem familiar, apart from the famous eye wear, Wayfarer have played a few of the BarryGruff shows, wooing many an audience member in the process. Anyway, the past while they have been busy in the studio working on their debut EP, of which ‘Dusk On The Green Bus Line’ is a first taste. It is a rather lovely, nay beautiful sounding country folk jam, with a real late night / earlier morning ponderous vibe going on. The lead vocal and harmonies are especially alluring to the ears, and equally memorable. There’s no firm date for the release of their EP but ‘Dusk On The Green Bus Line’ is more than enough to tide us over till then.

You can stream/download ‘Dusk On The Green Bus Line’ below. 

Best of 2012: w/ Dan Shanahan of Wayfarer

dan wayfarer

It’s that time of year when every music website, publication and blog (including this one) are busy compiling end of year lists. This time around, I thought I’d shift the focus to the bands and artist’s who’ve played a ‘BarryGruff Presents’ show this year and ask them for their ‘favourite album of 2012′, ‘favourite song of 2012′ & ‘favourite Irish song of the year’.

Right, that is enough from me, over to Dan Shanahan of Wayfarer and his picks from the year that was 2012.

Favourite album of 2012: Lau – ‘Race The Loser’

On a whim, I agreed to go see these fellows in the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge one wet Thursday and by grud, it was a show I would never forget…I was sitting two rows from the front in a near empty venue watching three of the finest folk musicians to emerge from the British Isles, playing as if it were just for me. I was wrapped tight in a blanket of sounds that made me close my eyes and lose myself in the intricate musicality. Chris Drever on guitar with his tightly controlled and constant chord changes, complimented with a soft aching Scottish voice, singing songs about unrequited love in old folk songs. Aidan O’ Rourke holds his own with expert fiddle playing that gives soul to the compositions while Martin Green is unbelievable on the accordion, jumping in his seat as if possessed by the music…he’s the Hendrix of accordion players, no joke! These guys have featured on Jools Holland after they released this album and seem to be on the up and up so whenever they come back to Ireland, I dare say, check ’em out! And in the mean time…buy this album!!

Favourite song of 2012: Field Music – ‘Start The Day Right’

I’m crap at finding new music that I like, I’m old school…preferring the comfort of listening to Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti for the millionth time than pretending to enjoy such and such’s album because they’re “cool” or “the in thing” or whatever. I know, i sound like an old fart but good music always seems to creep its way onto my now defunct, 29 year old radar in random ways. Field Music’s Plumb was one album, blasting out of a mate’s car speakers one day, that grabbed my attention. This is the first song off of Plumb and it doesn’t mess around. These guys wear their influences on their sleeves with a prog-rock 70’s sound, some grandiose Beatles inspired moments and amazing musicianship. Check them out!

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Favourite Irish song of 2012: Villagers – ‘The Waves’

What can I say about this band that hasn’t already been said? Conor’s beautiful words and melodies are always a treat for the old ear holes. I’ve seen them play a lot of new material at a gig in Kilkenny a few months back and I’m eagerly awaiting their new album next year which I’m sure will be a guaranteed thing of beauty. Also check out MMOTHS remix of this song, it’s jaw-droppingly good!

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BarryGruff Presents: The Statics, The Violet Roadkills & Wayfarer :: Arthur’s, 28 Thomas Street :: Dublin :: Friday :: Nov 23rd

I’m delighted ‘BarryGruff Presents’ is on its way back to Dublin once again, this Friday, November 23rd. We’re taking over Arthur’s on Thomas Street, the newest addition to Dublin’s live music scene under the watchful eye of The Mighty Stef.

I’m really excited about this one and to have ‘The Statics’, ‘The Violet Roadkills’ and ‘Wayfarer’playing on the night. There is more details and tracks from the acts below. Doors at 8pm and admission is FREE, hopefully some of you can make it along to make it a really great night. [Facebook event]

The show is on Friday November 23rd, Arthur’s (Upstairs), 28 Thomas Street, Dublin 8. Doors at 8pm and admission is FREE. There’s more info/links below.

The Statics:

Echoing the likes of The La’s, John Power & The Coral, The Statics specialise in upbeat, energetic and heart warming indie-goodness with twangy rhythmic guitars, rich distinctive vocals and sing-a-long choruses, played with energy, refreshing honesty and assured sense of style. This Dublin four-piece are a real hidden gem but hopefully not for too long.

 [Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter]

The Violet Roadkills:

Also hailing from Dublin, The Violet Roadkills are a somewhat different prospect. Taking their cue from the likes of Death In Vegas and Holy Fuck, they have a preference for a loud, intense and powerful mix of heavy riffs and driving synths, channelled into a haze of Electronica and Krautrock. Their influences from My Bloody Valentine, Royksopp, Steroelab to Godspeed You Black Emperor run riot throughout their music. These guys don’t mess about, and do what they do very, very well. This is a first Dublin show in sometime and one definitely not to be missed.

[Facebook | Bandcamp | Twitter]

Meanwhile support comes from Newbridge trio Wayfarer, whose soft and gentle folk sound is something of beauty, a perfect combo to kick off any night.

This really promises to be a great night in Arthur’s, the newest addition to Dublin’s live music scene, so come on down for a buzz!

BarryGruff Presents #9: The Statics, Keith Moss & Wayfarer :: Flanagan’s :: Newbridge :: Thursday Sept 27th

I’m very excited about this one, especially after the absolute blast at the last gig in Flanagan’s, I’m not sure the place has recovered yet.

Ready or not BarryGruff Presents #9 is here & returns to Flanagan’s Bar, Newbridge for a special Arthur’s Day show on Thursday, September 27th. There’s a great night of live music ahead with headline performances from The Statics & Keith Moss and support from Wayfarer. There’s more info below & the ‘Facebook Event’ is right here.

Fresh from a storming show at this year’s Castlepalooza, Dublin 4-piece The Statics, bring their jangly infectious indie-pop sound to Newbridge for the very first time. Echoing the likes of The La’s, John Power & The Coral, there’s is heart warming indie-goodness with twangy rhythmic guitars, rich distinctive vocals and sing-a-long choruses, played with energy, refreshing honesty and assured sense of style.

Similarly it’s a first Newbridge outing for Dublin-based Keith Moss, who has been garnering plaudits for his music since winning IMRO’s ‘Young Songwriter of the Year’. Something of a punk poet, Moss’s music is a curious work of rare beauty which positively drips with passion and emotion. A great time to catch him live before his debut album is released in October through Reekus Records. Meanwhile support comes from Newbridge’s very own Wayfarer, whose soft and gentle folk sound is something of beauty.

It’s FREE in as usual and the show kicks off at 8.30pm & as it is Arthurs’ Day expect some Guinness related drinks promotions too.