London continues to nurture fine exponents of the banjo: Brian Kelly is one of the latest in a long line that includes Mick O'Connor, John Carty and Bernie Conneely (formerly of The London Lasses). Like many a young London-Irish musician, Brian took lessons from the influential Brendan Mulkere and went on to win All-Ireland titles on both the banjo and mandolin.
Brian Kelly has been a familiar face on London's Irish circuit for some time now, thanks in part to a four-year residency with guitarist Paddy Gallagher at The Stag's Head in Camden, and his shock of ginger hair. His debut album was launched at the Return to Camden Town festival 2001. Accompanied by Paddy Gallagher and with additional assistance from Brian's sister Martina on fiddle and John Blake on flute and piano, Brian's banjo ripples through a series of eleven tracks with disarming ease. There's none of the excessive elaboration to which some banjo-mongers are prone, for this man knows an ornament when he sees one and, more importantly, when and where to play it.
The repertoire is wide-ranging, encompassing both session favourites (Moving Cloud, Tom Billy's, Eddie Kelly's) alongside less familiar tunes such as Lump of
Pudding and Crib of Perches. There's also room for one of his own compositions, the auspicious and eponymous Brian Kelly's No.1, but what's ultimately inspirational about this album is the joyous tone of Brian's banjo and the sheer clarity of his playing, both of which are more than sufficient to quell the doubts of anyone unimpressed by previous banjo albums.
Brian joined the Popes in December 2003 and has spent the last couple of years touring with Shane MacGowan. He now plays with, among others, Jamie Smith and Colette O’Leary in various residencies around north London. Brian’s new album, 'The Plain of Jars', was released in October 2006 at the Return to Camden Town Festival. It features many musical friends, including Jamie Smith on fiddle, Colette O’Leary on accordion, Paddy Gallagher on guitar and Tad Sargent on bodhran.
Good man Brian. How's de crack? No festival here this year. I'll probably head down to Tipperary that weekend instead. Shane is in Portlaoise with Sharon Shannon on 1st August
Hi Brian! How are you? Hope all's well with you!? Have now finished moving house,..sort of. Got loads to fix in HERE, in me new home, hehe! (A bit smaller than the old apt.) Hope you're enjoying these summer days! Can't complain over here, though. Take care! Keep intouch, if you like/can.
Hey Brian Long time no see!Hope all is going good for you see your still playing and very busy cool! Miss the Craic!with ye all in the Cobden. Was in touch with Belinda she designed a new CD cover for me its really cool looking.Drop me a line if you get a chance and let me know if your going to be over this way anytime. Good Luck. Betty. X
