Skip to Content Skip to Navigation
Join the email list!

Jameson's Revenge: PRESS/REVIEWS

<bgsound src="http://www.jamesonsrevenge.com/audio/JAMESONS_REVENGE-The_Flats_o.m3u" loop="infinite">

REVIEWS OF OUR ALBUM

...A couple of years ago I went along to my regular Sunday session in Rhinecliff, New York to hear The McCarthy Brothers, and I have never been quite the same since. The three brothers and a few friends tore through reels, jigs and songs with a virtuosity and joy I’ve yet to hear again, except when I have the luck to catch them playing in New York City. I got to know the ringleader, Denny, and persuaded him to write a bit about the boys..........
.......Anyone who wants to hear what a great seisiún sounds like in full throttle, with a glorious mix of live tunes and songs from virtuoso performers all: pick up the latest Jameson’s Revenge CD, Straight from the Bottle.
(TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE CLICK BELOW)
...FOR IRISH MUSIC FANS:
by IrishApache (05/17/2008)
I’ve got a very solid recommendation: pop into the iTunes Music Store, and check out the recent release by the new band Jameson’s Revenge.
Essentially, Jameson’s Revenge is a New York Irish supergroup. It is made up of the most talented members from other popular regional bands- including a few members of my personal favorite, Shilelagh Law (also available on iTunes). Jameson’s Revenge is comprised of numerous award winning musicians, including four time all-Ireland Champion fiddler Denny McCarthy, who is an absolutely gifted player, astonishing live performer, and confirmed Notre Dame fan. (check out the auto-starting Acts of Contrition on the linked MySpace page). The Bio Page details the accomplishments of the band members.
Their premier album, Traditional Irish Music- Straight From the Bottle, is one of the best of its kind.
Here are a few tracks you can sample in their entirety:
THE JAMESON SET – A quick paced start to the album that demonstrates their obscene talent.
THE BACK OF BEYOND – It’s no contest… this cover of a little known ballad is their best track. If you are just going to pick one… buy this.
REEL 'EM IN- Impossible not to tap your feet to.
THE FLATS OF VAN CORTLANDT- Not a word in the song, but perhaps their most moving piece.
THE GREEN AMONG THE GOLD- Their second best track. It’s rare that an Irish-American band ventures into Australian Celtic rhythms. Jameson’s Revenge does so with resounding success. It’s apparent the female vocalist does not have range… but with the depth of her voice there could not have been a more perfect person found to record this track.
The rest of the album is also very strong. Brazilian Wax and My Dearest Dear deserve additional highlight. I can honestly say that I never find myself skipping tracks. The whole collection is enjoyable- played start to finish. There are tracks with jazz influences, others that inspire tranquility, and a few plucky reels.
It seems that they are doing quite well and gathering a buzz. I recommended the album to my parents and both have now bought it and love it.
If you enjoy Celtic Rhythms, do not miss out on this one. (Available on iTunes or via CD Baby, where you can sample all of the tracks.)

LIVE PERFORMANCE REVIEWS

.... it doesn't take long at all to realise Denny is a honest-to-god MONSTER on the fiddle. A hotdogger of the highest degree. Inventive, a brilliant mproviser- he did amazing pieces that were reminiscent of Eileen Ivers no mimic he, however. His variations were distinctly different but just as good. And not only that, Jimmy on the guitar is who our Michael would want to emulate- a picker and accompanist extraodinaire. Brian on the bodhran next to me is a brilliant percussionist, with a deep, versatile drum. Andrew is absolutely fantastic on the flute. Always in tune, never too airy- in short, Andrew is good.
It also didn't take long to realise these guys have played together before. Many, many, many times. Jimmy told me later that he knew this wasn't the usual seisiun situation, but they've been playing together for six years. They were as tight as any professional group and they knew what the other was planning with a wink and a nod.........
I was tickled when Denny started an instrumental of Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore and later U2's With You Without You and then right into Maggie May. It makes me feel like I shouldn't be so buttoned up about doing something not so conventional and even inventive in my own playing. Being one of my favourite songs, why should I wait for someone to sing something if I want to hear it? I'm resolved to do a few refrains and choruses of Paddy's Green Shamrock Shore.
So really, a top notch seisiun. Jimmy brought me another Smithwicks and
Andrew brought Toar a Guinness and later I learned that for the musicians drink was on the house. The way it should be, but then again, these guys had the patrons yelling, slapping their knees, clapping their hands. They certainly earn their drink. And, gosh, for one night it was really great to feel a part of it.
The energy level and musicianship of Jameson's Revenge will make even "Trad-haters" stand up and cheer.
- AN BEAL BOCHT (Mar, 2008)