Craobh Rua

Mark Donnelly : Uilleann Pipes, Whistle
Jim Byrne : Guitar, Vocals, Mandola, Bodhran
Michael Cassidy : Fiddles
Brian Connolly : Banjo, Mandolin, Mandola, Bodhran
Craobh Rua have a sound reminiscent of the early Planxty days, as they sing and play a masterful mix of Scottish, Irish, and American tunes. Not often seen in England, this is a band we have wanted to bring to the Festival ever since seeing them at Towersey several years ago. They avoid the frenetic style of the Celtic Rock bands but provide a solid and inspired set that builds through the evening. The instrumental mix is slightly unusual and provides a distinctive and extremely listenable sound, but as the tempo quickens the urge to Dance gets stronger. The ideal band to start the '97 Footloose Festival.