History of Harry – Save the King

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In their own words….

History Of Harry are a Dublin based four piece (sometimes 7 piece) band. Having been around in one form or another for the last 3 years, the band’s lineup is now settled. We’re influenced by a load of music, especially funk, rock, blues, soul, dance, techno, latin stuff, new orleans stuff and loads of other weird stuff. We all love going to good gigs, so it’s no surprise that the live show is central to our philosophy: the connection with the audience and the creation of energy between band and listener. Having gigged extensively around Dublin for bloody ages now, we have a live show to get crowds movin’ and groovin’. Our first album, ‘Trainman’, was released in September 2008. Recorded in Temple Bar and Wicklow, Connected Magazine said this about it: “When Richard Farrell opens his big gob to sing, it can be like a blues and soul documentary on Biography channel. He recalls the roar and rasp of Howlin’ Wolf, the sombre warble of Terry Callier, as well as the rough and tumble of Jimi Hendrix. Quite a feat, especially given that he’s a young scamp from south county Dublin. History of Harry’s recorded debut distils three years of gigging, the fruits of which chime throughout the nine tracks here. Talented as he undeniably is, this is by no means ‘The Richard Farrell Experience’. The four piece all flourish on Trainman, and prove that there’s nowhere better to learn your trade than on stage. Brian Murphy’s bubbling jazz bass is never hogged by the lacerating yet soulful axe of John McGrath, and beat man Eimhin Kelly is a versatile cornerstone. Traditionalists at heart, the group pay homage to their Jazz and blues heroes with unflinching devotion, creating a smokey basement bar on tracks like ‘On My Way’, ‘Jazz Song’ and ‘What You Got’. You’ll want to join them there. Nice. 4/5″ ‘Trainman’ is available in Tower Records, Wicklow St. Dublin, or from the band. If you can’t get a copy, come to one of our gigs and have loads of craic!
The Mystery of Harry: Originally a blues guitarist from Louisiana, Harry lived his life in the shadows. He played music to live and lived to play music “I’ve never come out to the front to do my thing. I’m just doing mine now. I don’t want to be no rich guy. I just want to live comfortable. That’s all. And to love people and to have people to love you.” A fond traveller, (especially on trains: he believed the real rhythm of blues comes from the sound of a train) the whereabouts of this great man are still unknown but his music lives on in the form of ‘History of Harry’. He was a teacher and a mentor to the members of this band, so his soul and passion lives on in their hearts and music. The album ‘Trainman’ is dedicated to the memory of this mysterious man