entertainment

The Bingo Bus is Coming!

The second release from Kieran Quinn’s highly anticipated new ‘Our Place’ album is ‘The Bingo Bus’ was released yesterday, Thursday 21st September. See Video below.

The chipper upbeat track stars Seamie O’Dowd & John-Joe Kelly and is sure to become a much loved favourite. Kieran was inspired by the story of a musician who when asked by an RUC officer for I.D. on crossing the border into Northern Ireland, pulled out a poster of the gig he was travelling to and said ‘That’s me’!

The border patrol officer wasn’t impressed and the musicians were made unload all the gear from their van and missed the gig.  The tale of what happened next is woven into the must-listen song lyrics.

The great chemistry between the musicians is evident on the track. Together Kieran and Seamie are Ireland’s leading Trad Fusion outfit often undertaking national tours.

The pair have a Monday night residency in Thomas Connolly’s, Sligo and a frequent guest artist at these nights is John Joe Kelly.  Kieran says “Thomas Connollys have kindly sponsored the making of this video, and since Seamie and I play there every Monday night, we thought it made sense to film some of our gigs in there. It's always nice to have some studio footage, and the back roads - well you'll have to wait and see!

The lads there couldn't have been more helpful, and I even got to wear a prized Connolly's t-shirt in the video.

While not divulging the antics behind the video shoot Kieran did say making the track and video was great fun. “I had never driven a vehicle the size of the Bingo Bus before so that was enjoyable. Seamie always brings a sense of the unknown and mischief to events like this so he added hugely to it!”

Kieran Quinn is an accomplished and critically acclaimed songwriter and composer, and has released 3 studio albums, and creator of the phenomenally popular Kieran Quinn Theme nights. Kieran has performed on legendary composer Ennio Morricone’s Dublin concerts, and played the part of a 1930’s jazz musician in Ken Loach’s 2014 feature film, Jimmy’s Hall. Collaborating and sharing the spotlight with his musical peers comes naturally to Kieran.

Seamie O’Dowd’s is regarded as a musical legend in his home county of Sligo. His musical career has seen him progress from his first radio broadcast at ten years of age, on up through the ranks of various strands of the Sligo traditional Irish, blues, folk and rock scenes to being an extensively travelled, experienced and much sought after musician, singer and producer.

Also guesting on the Bingo Bus is John Joe Kelly, one of the most sought-after bodhrán players on the folk music scene today. John Joe Kelly grew up in a Manchester Irish family. He started the drums by using his sister Grace's whistles as drumsticks. He then progressed on to the bodhrán and was heavily involved in the very vibrant Manchester Irish music scene. John Joe holds numerous all All-Britain and All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann titles.

A member of Flook and Mike McGoldrick bands among others, John Joe’s playing has become legendary throughout the traditional scene and he is constantly expanding the boundaries of what beats and sounds you can create. He has been involved in many world music collaborative projects with musicians varying from Tim O’Brien, Kate Rusby and  Dan Tyminski to Zakir Hussain. He been described as the best bodhrán player in the world by music critics for the Guardian U.K.

                                    John Joe Kelly recording in the studio

The Bingo Bus is part of ‘Our Place - Six Songs for Sligo’ a new collection of original songs composed by Kieran Quinn. There will be some very special concerts on Friday 10^th & Saturday 11^th November, when all the singers and musicians’ artists featured on the ‘Our Place’ E.P. come together for a great night of music at the Hawk’s Well Theatre. 

The feel good factor extends beyond the music as all the proceeds of the project will go towards the Hawk’s Well Theatre’s €1.1 m Renovation plans - creating a world-class theatre for the people of the North West. “It’s a worthy cause, it’s a huge addition to our community”

The Bingo Bus will be available to buy from itunes and the website www.kieranquinn.ie. You can listen on Spotify and you are encouraged to add the Bingo Bus to your online playlist.