http://www.thedruidsrebelband.ie/
From Kildare, these Irish Rebels have brought a unique and stirring sound to awaken the sleeping masses, and raise a rebel cry across the vast Atlantic ocean to be heard by those Fenians hungering for new musical rebellion, in Amerikay, and where ever the love for freedom beats in the human heart.
Beginning with timeless classic, “Back Home in Derry”, written by Irish Martyr, Bobby Sands, and as someone who has heard many versions of this tune, I must say that The Druids version of this moving rebel song is probably one of the best versions I’ve heard yet, it might even rival Christy Moore’s version, and Paddy Mangan’s mandolin finesse accentuated by Gary Lawler’s croon definitely makes this Bobby Sands classic even more enjoyable. And its probably one of the best songs I can think of to remind us all of the Irish convict legacy , “down under”.
Next, Irish Brigade classic, “Farewell to Bellaghy”, (also known as “McElwee’s Farewell”) is reawakened by these brilliant musicians. A powerful song that will make any Irishman or Irishwoman proud, especially if they hail from south Derry, the old home of legendary hunger striker, the courageous and uncompromising hero, Thomas McIlwee.
“Weeping Winds/Lonesome Boatman” is a stirring version of Bobby Sands legendary poem and the Fureys classic, Lonesome Boatman. Both songs are brilliant, but of course, Bobby’s prose always takes us back to those lonely days and nights when Bobby scrawled his poems on toilet paper and on smuggled comms and shared his grueling experience with the outside world. And I have to thank The Druids and Mick O’Brien (who reads aloud the spoken poetry in this great song), for bringing one of Bobby Sands best prison poems to light and rekindled in the soul of both those familiar with Bobby’s poems and those who have heard it for the first time via this great recording. Fair play to ye, Druids, may you continue to spread the flame of resistance and the honorable Republican spirit to all those with ears to hear.
Next, Wolfe Tones classic , “The Helicopter Song” is done justice by these mighty Druids, whose rousing chorus would even awaken the dead, and we are reminded that barbwire and high security cannot forever imprison the Fenian spirit, as republican prisoners, Seamus Twoney, J.B. O’Hagan and Kevin Mallon proved on one happy Halloween afternoon on October 31st, 1973 !
Afterwards, well known anthem, “The Legend”, is covered with brilliance, reminding us of the struggle of Nelson Mandella and his historical speech at Yankee stadium , to an audience of 5,000 as well as the similarities of his fight to that of the republican prisoners in Long Kesh in the 1980s, and today in Maghaberry and Portlaoise. Well done Druids, this great Rebel classic by the Bronx native, Dan Hannon, couldn’t have been done any better lads.
And while I might not be “Fresh Fabio of the Fabulous Funk-Force”, or DJ Flavor Flav, I have been podcasting Irish Rebel music long enough to know a brilliant rousing Irish Rebel tune when I hear one, and if the title track of this great disc, “The Starry Plough”, isn’t the best tribute to James Connolly and the Irish Citizens Army (with the sole exception of Ray Collins classic, “Citizens Army”) I have ever heard, then bedad ! , my friends, fiends and fenian funksters, I promise you I will wear a Rangers jersey whilst singing “The Sash My Father Wore” at Shebeen’s next concert at the Brazen Head ! And this song is an original by The Druids, it is not a cover. Let me also take the time to give credit where credit due, and give bass player, Darren Egan, my compliments for giving an extra musical boost to the Druids already brilliant sound. His bass boom boom leaves no room for anything less than powerful rebel war drums echoing across the oceans, arousing the people from their slumber.
Next, “George and Pop” is cause to take a moment to reflect on the Creggan natives, George McBrearty and Charles “Pop” Maguire, killed on active service on May 28th, 1981. Remember them with pride, comrades, and remember, like the song says, that “They couldn’t stop poor George and Pop and they’ll not stop me and you”.
Afterwards, “Hyland Paddy” gives us a lively jig and reel about freedom and Rebel mountainmen:
“By my side you’ll surely stand,
hear the people shout for freedom,
we’ll rise in the morning with the Fenian band….”
This is one of my favorite traditional songs, and in every drum beat and reel it makes me want to dance like a Fenian hillbilly, with or without a coonskin cap on my head.
And if that wasn’t enough fine Fenian feeling to keep your toes a tappin’ and your spirits high, the last two tracks, “Let The People Sing” and closing medley, “Rebel Mix” are bound to. Like they say themselves;
“We are a Republican band, we believe that we should and will have a 32 County Socialist Republic. We all have a duty as Republicans to do what we can to bring about this change.”
Wise words, indeed.
--- Rory Dubhdara, Radio Rebel Gael
If anyone wants to purchase this CD they can be bought from the band’s manager (Alan Donohoe) contact him at:
thedruidsirishrebelband@gmail.com
