Wild Irish Roots
Baton Rouge, LA / Raymond, MS
This trio is formed by a wild tangent of eclectic personalities. These unique musicians fuse the traditions of Irish and Scottish music with the likes of bluegrass, rock and much more. After years of friendship and countless hours of sessioning Kate Kane Laborde, James Clark and Frang Bladen united their talents to play traditional tunes and songs as well offer original creations. Laborde (6 & 12 string guitars, Bodhrán, vocals) spins stories and songs with tempos, both traditional and non, to form the thread found throughout the band’s ability to lead dance tunes and please with riveting vocals. James Clark (Uilleann Pipes, Bouzouki, Tenor & Five String Banjos, Vocals) combines the haunting sounds of the Irish Uilleann (elbow) pipes and the unique tones of the Bouzouki to add a rich melody to the variety of songs, reels and jigs offered by this trio. Frang Bladen (Bodhrán, vocals, various other percussion) is a driving force behind the trio’s unique ability to set your feet dancing. Bladen’s unique approach to rhythm and percussion is as fascinating to listen to as it is to watch. To experience this trio in action is to experience the deep love and respect they have for the traditions, the music and the friendship they share.