Here's a wee snippet of The Muddy River band working on an arrangement of Dylan's classic ‘’Not Dark Yet. We had just played a stompy, blues rock version, but decided to go for a more laid back and understated performance, taking our lead from the recorded version on Bob's sublime masterpiece, Time Out of Mind. We decided this arrangement best serves the song.
The Muddy River Band is a seven-piece that pays homage to the timeless music of three legendary icons: Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Van Morrison. From the rebellious anthems of the 60s to the soul-stirring melodies that continue to enchant audiences today, the Muddy River Band masterfully captures the essence of these musical giants.
The Muddy River Band are: Pete Kavanagh (Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin & Harmonica) Willie Headon (Vocals, Guitar, Banjo & Harmonica) Pat Silke (Vocals & Guitar) Baz Daly (Bass) Lee Murphy (Lead Guitar) Jon Warren (Drums) Joe Ryan (Pedal Steel Guitar)
I'm absolutely hyped about playing a solo, imtimate acoustic gig at Strong's Cafe & Bistro on Friday 20th Oct. I've some new songs to share along with some you may know.
There will be amazing selection of Pizza, Wine, Cocktails and Beverages available on the night, so please check out the menu at Strong's Cafe & Bistro for details.
Opening at 7.30 - 10.00pm Live Music from 8.30 - 9.30pm Very limited seating, so early booking is advised. Reservations only - call Strong's at 045 521793.
Tickets €12.00 each or a table of 4 for €40 (includes a complimentary glass of bellini on arrival).
There’s a bar in Dublin called Bruxelles and back in the glory days, it was a regular hangout for me. Upstairs was more of a lounge bar with live acts playing jazz or blues and food being served, but downstairs was a sweaty, smoke filled rock bar with rockers in faded denim, worn out leather, dodgy tattoos, brave hairstyles, bad habits, Harley Zippos, JDs, Southern Comfort, snakebites in a row and regular selections from the best jukebox in the world. It was on this jukebox that I first heard Voodoo Chile by Hendrix, Sympathy for the Devil by The Stones, Lola" by The Kinks, “One by Metallica and so many others. I was a green-horned townie buck, up in the Big Smoke looking for adventure, devilment and two of whatever it was you were having.
One soggy Sunday afternoon, the jukebox made its selection-that snare hit and the glorious sounds of Like a Rolling Stone filled that basement and blew my mind to smithereens. I was smitten. Bob Dylan. Within a month, I had acquired copies of Highway 61 Revisited, Bringing it all Back Home and Blonde on Blonde and I was forever changed.
Around this time, my first serious relationship hit the rocks and I was given a copy of Blood On The Tracks by a friend. To paraphrase the great man - Every one of those words rang true and I listened to it over and over, til it was written inside my soul. I learned how to play every song on that sacred slice of wax and it soaked into my very being. I am not shy to admit there were some dark nights that those songs pulled me thro’.
Every one of Dylan’s albums that I have come to possess, seem to reflect my life at that time. I didn’t collect them in any linear sequence; it was random. Infidels, Time Out of Mind, Desire, Slow Train Coming, Another Side Of, The Bootleg Series 1-3, Modern Times, Love And Theft,, Rough and Rowdy Ways, The Freewheelin’ , Oh Mercy!…
So all that being said, I recently joined The Muddy River Band who play the songs of Bob Dylan as well as Neil Young and Van Morrison. We are a 7 piece band and are playing a few shows in Ireland over the coming months. The next one is at The Moat Theatre in Naas on September 21st 2023 and it will be a night to cherish. Then we take it to The Wellin Dublin City Centre on November25th. More TBA soon.
One of my favourite Dylan songs is Not Dark Yet" from Time Out of Mind. Here, I perform it solo, with an acoustic guitar and a racked harmonica and I thank Conor O'Connell, stage manager at The Moat Theatre, for capturing the moment live. At the show, it's a full band arrangement. A night not to be missed I can assure you!!
What artist blew your mind and how did you discover them?
Join Willie Headon, Pete Kavanagh and Pat Silke, as they honor their musical heroes with passionate performances backed by the sensational Muddy River Band.
Immerse yourself in the songs that defined the soundtrack of a generation, filled with dreams, love, and social revolution throughout six incredible decades.
Don't miss this extraordinary night of music, perfect for fans and admirers alike.
Join us for a very special fundraising night of music and community spirit at the Moat Theatre as we come together to support Celine's cancer quest. Celine, the manager of The Moat Theatre, is a well-known and beloved member of the community.
Everyone who knows Celine can attest to her passion for the arts and her unwavering commitment to helping others. Now it's our turn to support Celine as she faces a new challenge: cancer. Celine was recently diagnosed with CUP (Carcinoma of unknown primary). Gig for Celine is a chance for the community to come together and support Celine as she undergoes treatment and fights this challenging disease.
Performers on the night will include Rebecca Storm, Paddy Casey, John Forde, Arlene Bailey, The Willibees, Jonny & Harrison Warren, Mairead Carroll and Pete Kavanagh.
Tickets are available now from the Moat box office for just €25 plus booking fee. This is an evening you won't want to miss, so be sure to get your tickets early and join us for a night of music, community, and hope. Let's come together and make a difference in Celine's cancer quest!
🗓️ Thursday, 8th June 2023 at 8pm 📍 The Moat Theatre, Naas, Co. Kildare 🎟️ €25.00 plus booking fee available from the Moat Box Office
Victoria Keating and Declan Sinnot are two of the most talented musicians in the country. They’re playing tonight at The Red Hot Music Club, and I have the honor of being their support act.
If you love music, you won’t want to miss this show. These two artists are at the top of their game, and they’re sure to put on a great performance.
I'll hopefully see you there.
Tickets are €20 and available on the door or via EventBrite
I will be joined on the night by a band of talented musicians, namely Joe Heffernan on Electric Guitar, Barry Mulrennan on Bass, Pam Kavanagh on Backing Vocals, Jonny Warren on Drums and Backing Vocals and Mairead Carroll on Fiddle and Backing Vocals, plus a surprise guest or two.
Support on the night is from local Newbridge legends Unorthodox Behaviour & Mairead Carroll.
If Alt-Country, Rock and Americana infused folk is your thing, then this show is not to be missed. Get your tickets early for a great night of music while supporting your local arts scene. We hope to see you there!
