Irish ‘supergroup’ Patrick Street are On the Fly with New CD & U.S. Tour

Renowned traditional Irish music group Patrick Street will release their first studio album in four years,  On the Fly , with an American tour. The new CD comes out on November 13, 2007 on Loftus Music, a new independent label from fiddler Kevin Burke distributed nationally by Burnside Distribution Corporation (BDC). It’s the second release on Loftus, following Kevin’s duo CD with guitarist Cal Scott, Across the Black River, released in May 2007.

Kevin Burke, Andy Irvine, Ged Foley and John Carty – collectively known as Patrick Street – are known throughout the Irish music world as four of its top players. Highly successful individual careers weave an aura around the musicians that has given the group a bigger-than-life reputation. For more than 20 years their music has been a mix of the eclectic, bound together by the traditional, tunes and songs. Their breathtaking sets of reels and jigs and on-stage verve have made Patrick Street one of Irish music’s top attractions.The band began in 1986 as a one-off tour dubbed "The Legends of Irish Music." Legends, indeed, as the four original musicians hailed from some of Ireland’s top bands – Planxty, The Bothy Band, De Dannan and Van Morrison’s band. This year Patrick Street rounds a new bend. Three of the founding members have remained with the band until now, as celebrated accordionist Jackie Daly, one of Ireland’s true masters, steps down from the road. Meanwhile, newest member John Carty (fiddle, flute, banjo), an exciting and award-winning musician, makes his recording debut with the band.

On the Fly is Patrick Street’s 11th album and most decidedly traditional. Carty is a widely-respected player and like Kevin Burke (Bothy Band, Celtic Fiddle Festival) has deep musical roots in County Sligo. A real highlight of the band’s new era is Kevin and John’s double fiddle sound, as they team up for some thrilling duets of Sligo tunes. Vocalist Andy Irvine (Planxty, Mozaik) delivers three compelling traditional songs as well as his exquisite bouzouki playing. Ged Foley (Battlefield Band, House Band) provides his typically excellent guitar work and arrangements, and Jackie Daly bids farewell with two tracks featuring his distinctive accordion style.

November 2 – Lincoln University, Jefferson City MO
November 3 & 4 – Austin Celtic Festival, Austin TX
November 7 – Freight and Salvage, Berkeley CA
November 8 – Don Quixote’s, Felton CA
November 9 – Alberta Street Pub, Portland OR
November 14 – Calvary Center for Culture and Community, Philadelphia PA
November 15 – Fairfield Theatre Company, Fairfield CT
November 16 – Julian Studley Theater, New Paltz NY
November 17 – Memorial Hall, Shelburne Falls MA

Buy On the Fly.