After the huge success of the monthly jazz gigs, Byrne’s of Hill Street have decided to add new monthly acoustic sessions to their offering – the first of which gets underway this Sunday.
James Mackin
The jazz events have seen some of the country’s top musicians appear as guests with the band led by local drummer James Mackin. Mackin has rised through the ranks as a drummer since travelling to New York to study drums. It was his idea to bring jazz back to Dundalk.
“I knew there was an audience even if the audience didn’t know it. When you put quality in a room the music will speak for itself, the audience become part of the music and they in turn inspire the musicians to improvise. It becomes a circular experience where everyone gets something. We have a great audience who respect what we do and listen, it makes it very easy to perform.”
The new acoustic sessions will feature a full band line up led by Mackin again but the genres will be that of classic Motown, folk, rock and blues.
“Just like the jazz gigs, I want to bring a high calibre of musician to the show,” said James.
“People have responded so well to the jazz, I know that the audience loves to sing so this show is for them. I have played with so many super musicians through the years and I will be calling on all of them to guest. These gigs are a celebration of what music really should be, live and organic. We pull the audience in every month and it continues to grow. People want quality music, it’s an escape for a few hours, almost therapeutic.
“There will also be an open mic option to those who are players or singers and want to play with the band. The idea for me with the acoustic sessions is to pay respect and celebrate all musical genres. Byrne’s do not even charge in and the musicians are just as generous with their time. We want to make quality music accessible to a quality audience.”
Why not go and see what all fuss is about but get there early if you want a seat at the new place to be.
The jazz continues on the first Sunday of every month with the acoustic Sessions beginning this Sunday August 17th at 5.30pm. It will run every third Sunday of the month. Special guests will feature every month with a full band.
