Damien O'Kane & Ron Block Band LIVE at Folk Prostate Cancer Gig in November 2019. The first tune was written by Ron Block called Millers Gin and the second written by Damien O'Kane called Potato Anxiety - yes it is a real thing!!
‘Exquisite musicianship’ - Ralph McTell
Songlines ****
The Times *****
RnR *****
BANJO BROTHERS
What do you get when an American bluegrass banjo and an Irish tenor banjo join forces? In the case of Coleraine’s Damien O’Kane and California’s Ron Block… fireworks! A spectacular sound like nothing you could ever imagine, a union of transatlantic cultures melding two styles and two approaches creating a life affirming, uplifting, truly captivating effect. With two bold, highly acclaimed recent albums to his name the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Album nominated Damien thought it was high time to join forces with a musician he had long admired, Alison Krauss & Union Station banjo star and multi award winner Ron Block (14 Grammy’s and 6 Bluegrass Music awards and that’s just for starters ). Widely regarded as two of the greatest exponents of the banjo they have collaborated to create arguably their own genre, Banjophony, something never heard before…subtle, awe-inspiring, energetic and majestic. They also happen to be highly regarded vocalists in their fields and illuminate that on their most recent release. On this years (2023) September & October tour they’ll perform tracks from their new album Banjophonics, alongside older tracks from their hugely popular first album - showcasing another masterclass in innovation and moulding of two traditions to ground-breaking effect. With a full band line-up, the banjo maestros are joined on stage by Scotland's leading 'Bass Man' Duncan Lyall on bass and moog and Ireland’s Stevie Byrnes on guitars and stomp. They will also be joined by guests, master whistle, flute and pipes player Michael McGoldrick and Irish singer Aoife Scott for a one off show at Hammersmith Irish & Cultural Centre on October 14th! One not to miss… So what to expect? It’s going to be a banjo party!
‘Inspirational…new and innovative sound…exquisitely well played…The energy, groove and technique will inspire musicians of any genre' - Gerry ‘Banjo’ O’Connor.
'Beautiful and wild, there are no boundaries here. Something I have never heard before.' - Jerry Douglas
‘I really like this project a lot. It’s incredibly well played…Anyone that likes Irish and American roots music will love this record.’ - Ricky Skaggs
MCPS/PRS