Pat Kelleher 

Luke Kelly became my big inspiration as a folk singer and still is to this day.

In 1980, I met with another young folk singer at a Comhltas Ceolteori session in a local pub with similar interests. We founded a folk group called Cruiscin Lan. His name was Dan O’Sullivan from west Cork and also my brother Tim joined up to form a trio. At this stage I was playing guitar as was Dan and my brother on five-string banjo. Dan soon persuaded shy me to start singing which I did and never looked back. We played pubs and hotel bars throughout Munster and even further a field.

I left the group in 1987 to pursue a solo career. I have since performed mainly in Cork and Kerry and have met some great musicians and befriended many people from all corners of the globe.

My main influences in the folk scene would be Luke Kelly of The Dubliners, Tommy Makem particularly as a song writer, The Clancy s, Christy Moore and Pete Seeger and in recent times my great friend Bobby Clancy. I also have a great interest in the five-string banjo, all styles but clawhammer/frailing is my favourite. Collecting fine banjos is also hobby of mine. My main aim is to keep the folk tradition alive and keep singing all the old songs and also the new ones.

Visit Pat Kelleher’s website: www.patkelleher.net

Marcus Moloney 

Banjo player Marcus Moloney is an East Limerick man. He has toured the U.S., Australia and Europe with various bands. Marcus’ distinctive style is unique and his dexterity amazing. He has appeared on several albums and is held in high esteem for his imaginative, percussive improvisational style. Marcus is in huge demand for his flambuoyant technique and eclectic repertoire of foreign and Irish material. He made his debut with the Brian Roebuck Band in 2004 joining the band for a series of Luke Kelly tribute concerts in Ireland and the UK which turned out to be a huge success.

 Mick O’Brien

Mick O’Brien is renowned both in Ireland and throughout the world for his artistry on uilleann pipes, flute and whistles. Brought to Na Piobairi Uilleann in Thomas Street, Dublin, at the age of nine, Mick began learning the pipes from Leon Rowsome (son of Leo Rowsome). He soon came under the influence of the legendary Seamus Ennis. More recently, he has recorded with Frankie Gavin, Steve Cooney and Vinnie Kiduff. Mick has recorded three solo albums, “May Morning Dew” in 1996 and “an RTE production, ”The Ancient Voice of Ireland” in 1999 and the recently released album, “Kitty Lie Over” with Caoimhin O Raghallaigh.

Gerry O’Connor

Gerry O’Connor ranks as one of the world’s finest exponents of the tenor banjo. If ever a musician truly ‘owned’ the instrument he plays, Gerry O’ Connor ‘owns the four string banjo. A member of ‘Four Men & A Dog’, he is in every sense of the word sensational .

Gerry has two solo albums to his credit: 1992 saw the release of his first album “Time To Time”, which is now considered a classic. “Myriad” was released in 1999 and features many of his own compositions. Also a superb ‘fiddler’ Gerry is at one with his banjo, his distinctive style being unique and his dexterity amazing.

Dezi Donnelly

Brian Roebuck

Brian Roebuck needs no introduction as one of Ireland’s finest balladeers. He has performed as a solo artist and with his band ‘Liffey Street’ in Ireland and Europe throughout the years.

There is always an unquestionable passion and honesty in his music. A sincerity that shines deeply throughout this album. In concert, the man has been described as ‘truly awesome.’

A recent review claimed…

“I won’t attempt to recall what came next when, one classic stormer followed the next. Saturated with emotion drenched vocals, Brian’s power and emotion would steal away your soul!. If ever a singer embraced his subject with respect, there would be none more than this man.”

These albums was recorded over a 3 month spell in West Cork, which Brian refers to affectionately as his ’second home’.

You can visit Brian’s own website at www.brianroebuck.com