Back West are the full Irish: a four-piece of young exponents, filled to the brim with the music and soul of the west of Ireland. Reared in the heart of Galway city and county, their music celebrates the historically and culturally rich environment in which they were nurtured as children.
Two musical siblings join a champion bodhrán player/Irish step dancer with lead guitar/vocalist giving this ensemble it’s own unique brand. Their vast repertoire celebrates the best essence of traditional Irish music, song and dance. Sibling duet on fiddle and button accordion, Maureen and Brendan Browne are the lead instrumentalists and fluent Irish speakers while Galway’s own ‘Lord of the Dance’, Peter Vickers, brings his unique percussive expression and stylistic dancing to the stage. The fourth member of the band is lead guitar and vocalist, Fabian Joyce. Finally, to add to this powerful mix on the night, will be renowned guitarist from Sligo, Shane McGowan.
Back West have set new standards with their unique signature style. Deeply rooted in the tradition, they are ‘an innovative, thrilling ensemble of high calibre and vastly experienced musicians,’ (Irish Music Magazine).
Their performances are polished and effortlessly professional, given the depths of their solo and collective musicianship and talents. The tunes are honed from vast individual repertoires, the music and songs absorbed from all regions of Ireland and beyond. Modern tunes sit comfortably with older compositions, the siblings bounce fiddle and accordion off each other with flourish, Peter’s dancing is theatrical, Fabian’s rhythmical, sensitive connection to the music is intricate. The band’s musical narrative, their stories, the arrangements, energetic performances and professionalism are solid. It is that vital combination which is thrilling their ever-increasing audiences in Ireland, Europe and North America.
Back West in concert is a showcase of imaginative, modern day Irish cultural expression, an explosion of songs, tunes, and dances that are vital to the world of contemporary Irish and world music.
http://www.backwestmusic.com