Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens invaded the US bluegrass scene last fall at the IBMA World Of Bluegrass in Nashville. Having been selected as the top European Bluegrass Band in 2005 by the European Bluegrass Music Association, this Irish group represented the EBMA as an official showcase act at the annual IBMA event in 2006.
Now in 2007, they are headed back to the US to tour on their own. The band consists of vocalist Carmel Sheerin, and her brothers Danny (guitar), Des (bass) and Tom (mandolin), along with Jonathan Toman on banjo.
Their debut CD, Runaway, was produced by Bil VornDick, who is currently putting the finishing touches on their second project in Nashville. It was favorably reviewed in the August 2006 issue of Bluegrass Unlimited.
The Ravens’ 2007 US summer tour is being managed and promoted by Hope River Entertainment, and you can contact them for booking or publicity.
The Jackson Purchase Friends of Bluegrass are planning a unique kick off to this year’s Kentucky Lake Bluegrass Festival. On Thursday night, June 7, 2007, before the festival begins, a potluck dinner will be held for volunteers who are working the festival as well as guests who purchase tickets for the dinner. The evening will include entertainment by the Irish bluegrass band, Carmel Sheerin and The Ravens. The evening’s events are being sponsored by GHS Strings and tickets are available through advance sales only, they will not be sold at the door.
Carmel Sheerin & The Ravens, voted European Bluegrass Band of the Year for 2005 this past May, will release their first CD, Runaway, in late August. The band is based in Ireland and features vocalist Carmel Sheerin, her three brothers Danny (guitar), Des (bass) and Tom (mandolin/fiddle), along with ex-pat American Tom Hanway on banjo.
Proving that some things transcend geography and national identity, the story of the band’s origins reads much like those of the many family bluegrass bands which have proliferated in the United States. The Sheerin siblings were raised by musical parents (Dan and Mary Sheerin) who passed along their love for traditional and country music to their 11 children, 8 of whom have remained musical into adulthood. Many of the children have played traditional country music with their parents over the years. The Ravens have left the nest and are a full-fledged original bluegrass band.
In addition to the band being selected for such a high honor by the European Bluegrass Music Association, bluegrass fans should note that renowned producer and recording engineer, Bill VornDick was so taken by the band’s demo that he agreed to travel to Ireland to produce this new recording, which was accomplished at Des Sheerin’s own studio.
The Ravens have a CD release party scheduled in Moate on August 23, with more details available on their web site. No audio or online order links as yet, but you can expect to see those available soon.
