Get Up Jack
As one of the most interesting names within the contemporary Irish music scene, it's not a surprise that we decided to award this group of talented musicians as winners of our 2015 music awards. When we look at great Celtic music, we aren't simply looking to judge execution, productions, recording and musicianship: the spirit that goes into the performances is a key element of the work of any great Irish folk artist or group out there. Get Up Jack are a rare breed: these guys breathe, live and experience their music from a very deep and personal place. They are also able to translate their enthusiasm and passion in ways that it becomes energy and fun for the audience, live or in the recording studio. Combining charming retro aesthetic with the timelessness of folk and the punch of modern productions, Get Up Jack set out to ignite the Celtic music scene with massive doses of charisma and liveliness, carrying the torch and continuing in the tradition of influential masters of the genre, including The Dubliners, The Pogues or The Wolfe Tones, just to mention but a few.
The band's songs are able to fill the room with joy and happiness, thanks to the band's great dynamics and powerful presence. The line-up showcases an incredible chemistry and a diverse set of instruments that allow them to capture the subtle nuances of the genre, while keeping their sound remarkably honest, fresh and direct. Multi-instrumentalists John Haggerty and Crick Diefendorf, guitarist Mike DeAngelis, drummer Scott Apicelli, as well as bass player Tom Pirozzi and harmonicist Doug Johnson are all seasoned veterans with massive studio and stage experience - a wealth of musicianship that is fully being used to the benefit of the Get Up Jack project.
The more we listen to the music of Get Up Jack, the more we feel a great connection with that old saying: why fix it if it ain’t broken? These talented musicians have demonstrated that they aren’t just able to carry the flame and continue in the footstep of those artists who brought Irish folk music to the masses, but they also managed to create their own legacy in the process, creating a unique connection with the audience that is strongly based on their personality and powerful performance value.
Ultimately, Get Up Jack excels at bringing together the two elements that define Irish music: the strong communality of it, and the timeless values and storytelling.
5 Stars from Celtic Radio and induction into the Celtic Radio Hall of Fame for the 2015 Album of the Year! Now raise those glasses high for a cheer to Get Up Jack!
Track List
1. Get Up Jack2. Reilly's Daughter 3. Nancy Whiskey 4. The Wild Rover 5. Some Say The Devil Is Dead 6. Finnegan's Wake 7. The Irish Rover 8. Mta 9. Back Home In Derry 10. Johnny Lad 11. The Black Velvet Band 12. Whiskey In The Jar 13. All Of The Hard Days Are Gone 14. The Spanish Lady 15. The Parting Glass |