Bands

Josh's eagerly awaited new album, So Runs the World Away, will be released in Ireland on April 23rd, and on May 4th in the USA and rest of the world.

"So Runs the World Away" took me over a year to make. I'm proud of the fact that I've never recorded a song for a record that I didn't believe in absolutely and that didn't feel, in its writing, recording, and performance, like a moment of real inspiration. I love the songs on this record so much, and my thanks go to my incredible and talented band, my family, and my family of listeners wherever they may be in this fast-spinning world.

All my very best, and see you soon!
Josh

SHOW SPONSOR: THE GRAPEVINE, cafe/wine and tapas bar Kilkenny. www.thegrapevinekilkenny.ie

In just a short time since the release of their debut album The Duke & The King have garnered a barrage of international acclaim, earning comparisons to some of pop history's most hallowed acts, from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young to Smokey Robinson, Fleetwood Mac, Sly & the Family Stone, and Simon & Garfunkel.

 "I went to a gig last week as good as any I have ever seen, by a relatively unknown singer & songwriter (and performer) working at the very highest level of his art...It's a kind of cracked country soul thing, with a dash of psychedelia, and at the heart of it are Simone's songs which are, honestly, the best I have heard in a while, touching the hem of Dylan by way of Gordon Lightfoot." The London Telegraph

In 2001 Isbell joined The Drive-By Truckers and wrote with the Truckers for their next three albums, Since 2007 he has released two albums, the second with his new band, The 400 Unit.

"Isbell’s second studio album redeems his promise in spectacular fashion." 4 Stars, Uncut Magazine.

SHOW SPONSOR: Kevin Moore Building Contractors Ltd, Kilkenny.

With the release of HALCYON TIMES, Jason & The Scorchers have accomplished an extremely rare feat: almost 30 years into their career they have made a rock ‘n’ roll record every bit as dynamic and mind-blowing as their vintage work. Very few rock bands can make this claim. Jason & The Scorchers can, they should, and they do.

“Someday, Jason & The Scorchers may play a mediocre set. But it won’t be in this lifetime.” BILLBOARD

Special guest at The Set Theatre is CLIVE BARNES.

SHOW SPONSOR: Fat Tony.

The Band of Heathens were recognized at the 2006/2007 Austin Music Awards as the Best New Band, and have since taken the show on the road across the country, working as hard as any band on the scene right now and make their Irish debut as ambassadors of Austin-American soul.

"The Band of Heathens played the best set I came across during my five nights in town (at SXSW 2009)."
- Jim Fusilli, Wall Street Journal

SHOW SPONSOR: DES MAGNER

The band--Elana James on violin and vocals, Whit Smith on guitar and vocals, and Jake Erwin on bass and vocals--still swings harder than ever as it continues to develop it's unique, ever-evolving sound. These days, tours with Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and others keep the Hot Club of Cowtown busy dazzling new audiences both nationally and internationally throughout much of the year.

"The new album, Wishful Thinking, is one of their most polished efforts so far. But to catch the Hot Club at full temperature, you really need to see the group in the flesh." London Times.

Pete’s critically acclaimed second album ‘A Virtual Landslide’ was ranked number 18 in Mojo magazine’s '50 Best Albums Of 2008'. His latest release, 'Today,tomorrow and forever' features four classic covers recorded in Nashville with backing from The Jordanaires.

"The soul of American music distilled into the voice of a Cuban-heeled greaser from the Medway Delta" ­ THE GUARDIAN

SHOW SPONSOR: Short Stories Bookshop, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow.

The Dex Romweber Duo also features Dex’s celebrated sibling Sara Romweber on drums. Together the two have been performing electrifying concerts all over the US, including touring with Cat Power, Neko Case and Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers.

"Dex Romweber was and is a huge influence on my music.  His songwriting, along with his love of classic American music from the south, be it rockabilly, country or R&B, is one of the best kept secrets of the rock n roll underground." —Jack White, White Stripes

For the moment, Joe Pug has it figured out, career if not life: Just write the songs that have to be written, play them for anybody who will listen, tour as if you had no home.

"Pug’s a potentially major song-writing talent, as evidenced on his Nation Of Heat EP, available online and really quite brilliant." Uncut Magazine

Uncle Monk is an indie-acoustic duo featuring TOMMY RAMONE on vocals, mandolin, guitar, banjo and dobro, and CLAUDIA TIENAN on vocals, guitar and bass. Uncle Monk’s music is rooted in old-time and bluegrass influences. To this mix they have added unique musical textures to create a sound with a new sensibility

"Tommy Ramone plays a mean mandolin in this new acoustic duo, singing tautly written songs much like Ramones songs, but with tenderness about the comforts and subtle politics of home life." New York Times

SHOW SPONSOR: JJ Cantwell, Chartered Quantity Surveyor

Rose performs songs that range from genuinely poignant ballads to tongue-in-cheek tales of teenage pregnancy and primate love. Sometimes sparse and naked, other times robust, her music is laid out as an offering before the Gods of Americana, Folk and Country music.
The Dead Flowers EP is a candid glimpse of Caitlin's soul, one that truly may have been forged at the crossroads of Country and Western. Let Rock and Roll's tambourine toting little sister into your heart.

"A hot ticket in so many people's next big thing predictions for the coming year." London Independent

Made during the first half of 2009 in an isolated house by the sea, James’s debut record, 'Early In The Morning,' is a completely self produced and self played affair. He’s played some killer supports recently to the likes of Al Green, Bon Iver, Iron and Wine and now makes his debut in Kilkenny.

"That album, Early In the Morning , is a striking and alluring affair. The year may be just two months old, but here’s one we’ll be reckoning with for the rest of 2010." Irish Times

His fourth studio album, The Ghost Country elevates Barnes to a truly unique sound having forged his style and delivery over years of touring the US and Europe with the likes of Eric Bibb, Taj Mahal, Jeff Beck, Alison Krauss, Seasick Steve, The Blind Boys of Alabama and many more. Clive is special guest at Jason & The Scorchers show at The Set Theatre  on Sunday 2nd May.

BEN REEL plays rock with a touch of blues and roots and the occasional injection of reggae. Critically acclaimed all over Europe, his vocals are soulful and his lyrics meaningful. 'Time to Get Real' is the Castleblayney-based songwriter’s fifth album in 10 years.

Louisiana Joyride are Orla Lynch and Owen McNulty sharing guitar and vocal duties with a sound that's steeped in the tradition of the country greats like Kristofferson, Cash or Patsy Cline.