About This:
Traditional Irish melodic roots, influences ranging from jazz to Cajun, "thoughtful, intelligent lyrics" [Washington Post], combined with "lightning-quick accordion" [Mountain Express] make for a unique mix. Gregory Grene grew up between Cavan, Ireland and Chicago, and is the leader and founding member of the Prodigals, one of the foremost Celtic rock bands in the United States (the Village Voice dubbed them “NYC’s jig-punk answer to the Pogues.”) They have six albums to their credit, and have played, and continue to play, across the U.S., from California to Columbus, Boston to Butte, as well as abroad and in Ireland. However, during his time with the band, Gregory has also played a number of acoustic or solo concerts, ranging from a classical setting at New York’s Lincoln Center to a Christmas concert in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Austin, Texas; and while playing at the latter with John Doyle, the concept for this album was born. In its acoustic element the album marks a return to his more traditional roots – he trained with Liz Carroll, won the Midwest Fleadh Ceoil in both Junior and Senior divisions, and founded the Dublin University Traditional Music Society. At the same time, the highly eclectic nature of the tracks reflect the wide array of influences absorbed on his musical road, from Cajun to jazz to singer-songwriter. On this album he is joined by an extraordinary all-star array of musicians, among them: John Doyle on guitar and backing vocals, Darren Maloney on banjo, Joanie Madden on whistles and flute, Mattie Mancuso on fiddle, and Tony Cedras (from Paul Simon's band) on trumpet, as well as Prodigals' bandmates Ed Kollar (bass) and Chris Higginbottom (drums/percussion) - a line-up that would only be possible in the close-knit musical community that builds up through years traveling the musical circuit. "Gregory Grene's original songs stay true to the style and tone of old, yet speak to modern life, in some of the most well-crafted and poetic verses I have seen." - Punchline "Grene's expertise on accordion and his understanding of Irish music elevate" - All Music Guide