The James Joyce Band
Gigging in Germany
Deutschland.
Dass heisst Musik, Freunde, Altbier und dass beste Publikum was gibt. Wir treffen uns einmal jedes Jahr, gegen Ende Oktober um eine kleine Tournee im Odenwald zu machen. Wir spielen oft ganz kleine Orten, Folk Clubs, Kleinkunstbuhne, Stadthallen. Nach dem Konzert sitzen wir, trinken zusammen ein Bier und hören die Geschichten neuer Musik Freunde.
Rainer spielt Gitarre und macht Gesang, der Uwe spielt Northumbrian Smallpipes (die er auch baut) und banjo und ich komm mit Mandoline, Whistles und Gesang.
Zusammen bringen wir Lieder und Instrumentals von der alte folk Traditions Irland, Schottland und England. Von die Dubliners bis zu Northumbrian Tanz Musik, von Schottische Balladen bis zu Irische Jigs und Reels.
Ich hoffe dass du vorbei kommen kannst an ein Konzert, hallo sagen und diese wunderschöne alte Musik mit Rainer, Uwe und mir teilen.
I first came to Germany in 1972, long time ago, and found a second home. The people, the history, the landscape and the towns, it all made sense. I've been coming back ever since, to visit friends, to play music and to drink the beer .
From playing on the streets in Heidelberg I got to know everybody and some of those good folk are still great friends and musical travellers.
Since 1998 I've been coming back, every year in October, here to Walldürn to play with Rainer and Uwe. And sometimes with other great musicians who sit in and jolly the game along.
Rainer is our guitarist, rescued from a bluegrass group, fed on a diet of Guinness and The Dubliners to a point where he is now almost an Irish native.
Uwe is our piper, playing that most magical of pipes, the Northumbrian Smallpipes. Not only does he play them wonderfully he also makes them and teaches the music, spreading the word about the great store of music to be found north of Newcastle.
I add in the mandolin and whistles and, with backing from Rainer , I take care of the vocals (and the Irish bull, which sounds even wilder delivered in German) .
Together we bring a set of old folk music and song from Ireland, Scotland and England. Songs from The Dubliners to dances from Northumberland, Ballads from Scotland and jigs and reels from all over. This is music to chat over, to drink along to and to warble a chorus or ten. To hear some of our music just click on this Player.
I hope you can come along some evening, say hello and share this great old music with Rainer, Uwe and me.