John Fenn on guitar/vocals, Sandy Herrault on fiddle, Monty Monaghan on mandolin, and Jason Dulin on percussion
Influences
Solas, Gomez, Nickel Creek, Bap Kennedy, The Waterboys, Fairport Convention, Paul Brady, Andy Irvine, The Chieftains, Carlos Nunez, Liam Clancy, Lunasa, Afro Celt Sound System, Radio Tarifa
The Merrows is a Charlotte based four-piece band with John Fenn on vocals and guitar, Sandy Herrault on fiddle, Jason Dulin on djembe and other percussion, and Monty Monaghan on mandolin. What’s unique about the acoustic band is their blend of genres… mixing Irish music and African drums, Americana folk and jazz themes all centered on their passion for Celtic music. The Merrows have performed at festivals around North Carolina including; Earth Day at Marshall Park, Taste of Charlotte, Annual Celtic Festival, Davidson Art Festival, and Midwood Mania. You can also see them regularly at Rira, Tyber Creek, the Gin Mill, and Rodi. They are currently working on their first CD and expect to release it in the summer 2008.
John Fenn Steila - Lead Vocals, Guitar
John Fenn has been passionate about writing songs since 1993 when he first picked up a guitar. His Irish heritage and respect for St. Patrick, St. Columba and St. Finnian has inspired him to find his expression in the Celtic genre. In the past he has collaborated with Aaron Measham, a well-known guitarist, to produce and record his own compositions. He has played nearly every instrument in his effort to create the original sound he envisions. His intention in contributing to the world of Celtic music is to carry on the work started by the great green apostle, to destroy to the root the poisonous vines planted by the druids so many ages ago.
Sandy Herrault – Fiddle
Sandy’s classical music training started in the Philadelphia public school system and continued at the University of West Virginia. More than 10 years ago, however, coinciding with a front row seat at a performance of Lord of the Dance followed by a taste of the Guinness at a local Irish Pub, she fell in love with Irish music. And so her journey continued with lessons from well-known Irish fiddlers, including James Kelly. She co-founded the nationally-known band, “Celtic Soul”, and toured the East Coast for three years playing at festivals. Sandy can be heard on the albums, ‘Takin’-Down the Half-Door” and “Wee Blue Man”.
Jason Dulin – Djembe, Dumback, Darbuka
Jason’s background with Celtic music started in his youth. He began playing guitar more than ten years ago followed by learning various percussion instruments. Jason has been performing at many local venues and regional Celtic festivals, accompanying well-known soloists like the pipe player, Neil Anderson. He has also developed a wide range of musical interests, writing and arranging sound tracks which he hopes someday will be used in film and theatre.
Monty Monaghan – Mandolin
A native of Navan, County Meath, Monty came to America 23 years ago.
His interest in traditional Irish music was first inspired in his hometown by the late Harry Gillick, a fiddle player of wide local renown. In 1985, along with singer/guitar player Eamonn Sheehan, he started Heather Breeze, one of the most successful bands ever to perform on New York’s Irish circuit. He has since toured and/or recorded with such well-known acts as New Image, Morning Star, the Bord Na Monas, Four to the Bar, The McCabes, fast-rising Irish singer Orla, Seanchai & the Unity Squad and Damien Dempsey. Monty has also worked on recording projects with jazz sax great, Doug White (Juniper Records) and record producer, Oliver Sweeny of Crossborder Media.
Thanks to everyone who comes out to our shows!
Just stopping by to let you know about the FREE SHOW we're putting on at the Neighborhood Theatre on July 11th. It's our only show in town this summer so we wanted to make it special, and what with the gas prices and all we figured what better way to throw a party than to just forget the price tag and get down! So come on out... we're going to have a great time, we'd love to show you how we've grown, it's a friday night, we've got two great bands playing with us, and hey... it's free!
Hope you're doing well, keep up the music, and we're looking forward to seeing you out on the 11th!
I am a huge fan of Sandy, and that makes me a huge fan of the Merrows! I've gotta hightail it up to NC sometime soon and hear you guys, maybe make some lovely folk music myself... x Rebecca
