[caption id="attachment_69345" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Conor McGuirk and Brian McArtin of Broken Banjo Strings. "]
When you go out to see live Irish music you run the risk of breaking a leg on the dance floor or straining a facial muscle from smiling too much or any number of precarious situations that go along with having too much fun. But if Broken Banjo Strings is the band you’re out to see, you’re in good hands. The trio, who recently had their very first official gig together, is comprised of a police dispatcher, an occupational therapy student and an EMT. Live Irish music by emergency personnel – now you’re talking!
Day jobs aside, the members of the band – Brian McArtin, Katie Linnane and Conor McGuirk, are master musicians who love both traditional Irish music and American roots music, and blend the genres well. Their first gig at An Beal Bocht Café in the Bronx showcased their new sound, their young energy and their impressive musicianship. Traditional jigs, reels, and airs were played right beside Richard Shindell songs, Counting Crows covers and old Appalachian tunes. It was a good mix of new and familiar, and the crowd definitely dug it.
I’ve heard that it’s tough starting a band, but Broken Banjo Strings makes it seem easy. It started when McArtin – a Yonkers musician who dove into the Irish music scene over 10 years ago – began running the popular Sunday evening session at the Rambling House in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx. Linnane, an accomplished fiddle player and instructor from Pearl River, N.Y., and McGuirk, an all-Ireland accordion and piano player from Queens, became regulars at the session. And given their musical chemistry it was a no-brainer for the three to take their show on the road. After seeing their first gig I give them kudos not only for their playing, but also for their passion and eclectic song choice. I recently read a quote from Irish traditional flute player, Desi Wilkinson. He said “play only tunes and songs you’re mad about.” Well, Broken Banjo Strings play songs they’re mad about and they play them well, and that’s why I see great things ahead for the trio.
McArtin tells me that the group has plans to record an album in 2012, but for now I look forward to my next chance to see them live. That’s coming up on February 10th at An Bael Bocht Cafe, and on St. Patrick’s Day at The Rambling House.
If you’re looking for some good tunes this week, head to Tir na Nog in NYC for Morning Star on 1/27, Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar in NYC for the Mikey Finns on 1/28, and Rory Dolan’s in Yonkers to see the Narrowbacks on 1/29.
