The 'Celtic Rat Pack's' influences range from Shane MacGowan to the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem; the Dubliners to the Saw Doctors. Throw in the Beatles and Johnny Cash just to make it interestng.
I walked into Chicago's Gaelic Park's Lounge one evening in 1995 (Since converted into the Carraig Pub) to relax and take in the band, Velvet Green, a husband and wife combo who happened to be playing that night.
For the past few years my brothers and myself had been dabbling with putting a band together, mostly having sessions at family gatherings. Coaxed by my lovely wife, Jean, to sing a song, I downed my pint and asked the husband, who played an excellent accordion, to sing a song.
He graciously accepted (He actully commented that he would let me sing if I would stop requesting songs.). I did a delightful (horrible) version of Paddy Clancy's 'Jug of Punch' and then rejoined my wife who had ordered me another pint while I was on stage. Still being a wee bit nervous, I immediately took to this new pint like a fish to water.
I was then approached by a middle-aged woman who said she was the booking manager at a restaurant called Jim's Steakhouse (It's now closed but it's not our fault, really.) She said she didn't catch my name but she was looking for good Irish Folk Bands to perform in their lounge area of the restaurant and wanted to know what band I was in. I told her I was in 'The Larkin Brothers' and the rest they say is history.
The band:
Dan Larkin - The oldest and driving force (Which is a kind way of saying he bosses the rest of us around. Don't all older brothers?) of the band, Dan plays guitar and sings. People say his voice is a crossover of Christy Moore and Liam Clancy with just a touch of Davy Carton (of the SawDoctors). I say he made me write that.
Mike Larkin - It's himself, says I. I play a little of everything, mostly the bodhr�n, sing and tell a joke or two.
Joe Larkin - One word can describe brother Joe, but I need two - raw energy. Joe plays harmonica, guitar and lends a lead vocal on a song or two.
Terry Moran - The talented one of us, Terry is a session veteran who plays the mandolin, tin whistle and banjo. When he's not doing that he's sleeping or singing.
Kevin Moran - Terry's younger brother, Kevin's the newest member of the band and provides our sound with a deep rich bass.
Mike Murphy - Murph's been around for years; as our first bass player but now he plays mandolin.
Choonz entered in an Irish Music Battle of the Bands!
Hi, Choonz have entered an Irish music battle of the Bands competition online Youtube Link
The winners get 5 nights playing at the Monte Carlo Casino in Las Vegas. This would obviously be quite nice. Seriously though, we would really love this opportunity and this would give us the publicity needed to start our career as a touring band.
WE NEED YOUR VOTE!! Please take the time to forward this to some people in your address book. Voting ends in a few days so please don't delay. It only takes a minute to register your vote! Anyway, enough grovelling from us. To vote for us Click Here and select Choonz.
Dear The Larkin and Moran Brothers, It's after Halloween and the busy holidays are approaching. Take a break and drop by to listen to my featured songs. You may find my music to be just the calm you need during this hectic time of the year. I appreciate your friendship and I hope you enjoy the music. I wish you much joy and peace.
I am about half way done with my latest update to my page. Take a peek and listen to the first five songs from my up and comming cd. Right now the release date is in December.
A new feature is you can post your favorite song on your web page!
My new theme is about fall, with the songs having a sence of wanderlust and rambling on.
I hope you enjoy my pictures, and you will return to my page when it's completed. I'm currently recording the other five songs and putting together the final touches.
I hope you will take the time to listen, check out my pictures and (please, please, please) post a comment about your favorite song from my playlist.
I hope you are having a nice fall and take care. I hope to hear from you soon.
Jeff Moats
P/S " I get by with a little help from (you) My Friends!"
Welcome to my page, and the add as a friend. Thanks for dropping by, I hope you found the site interesting: The Songs, The Videos, the Pictures, and my blog.
To describe myself, I am a true balladeer and a REAL folksinger. I truly an indie. I don’t have a manager, or an Agent, no recording contract and no money! (Sounds like a folk singer to me). I do it all by myself, (with a little help from my friends).
After returning from the Grand Canyon, I plan to continue with my community by providing music for Senor Centers, hospitals and schools.
I encourage you to drop by and leave a comment. You can help support by purchasing a CD (refer to my blog) or buy a track or two from the snocap player.
If you want to be in the know, please subscribe to my activity stream and blog.
Just checking back with you to remind you that Powerplayed is really interested in showcasing your videos. I know I reached out some time ago but haven’t seen an upload from you as of yet. Powerplayed.com offers a free membership, free upload and gives you a platform to expose your talent to a quarter of a million people. Also, by uploading your video you are automatically entered in the running to be a part of our Friday “Independents Day” e-blast, dedicated to indie artists that exposes your work to a lengthy list of music industry execs.
If you need help or want more information please call Troy at
