Current Projects Kilkenny pays tribute to legendary ‘Loudest Whisper’ On Saturday 26 November a unique musical event will take place in Kilkenny’s Ormonde Hotel. A special tribute to honour Loudest Whisper’s contribution to Ireland’s and indeed the international music industry will be staged under the title The idea is the brainchild of Eamonn Cleere, well known Kilkenny man who has organised many tribute events in the past in Kilkenny. Loudest Whisper are no strangers to Kilkenny, having built up quite a following over the years through their gigs in the city and also with the staging of the highly successful ‘Buskin’ musical in the Watergate Theatre (2003). Loudest Whisper are one of Ireland’s most unique and original/creative bands and Eamonn Cleere believes that the band has not got its due recognition in this country. On Saturday 26 November 2005 Loudest Whisper will take to the stage at 9.30pm at the Ormonde Hotel Kilkenny to present a ‘Magical musical tour’ of their music. The event is being directed by award winning and acclaimed director Don O’Connor. Loudest Whisper has always been about the O’Reilly brothers - singer, songwriter and guitarist Brian and drummer Paud. With a taste for innovation, the brothers have always followed their muse - whether that has involved large scale stage productions like “The Children of Lir” and “Buskin’” or perfecting their craft in Loudest Whisper. The latest line-up is without doubt the band’s best ever, including some of the finest musicians Ireland has to offer. Saxophonist Barry Cluskey is among the country’s best jazz players, and his virtuoso style brings a new depth to the band’s sound. As an indication of his pedigree, Barry has worked with Jerry Lee Lewis, George Mellie, Acker Bilk and Johnny Dankworth, to name just a few. On harmonica, you will find a true professor of the instrument. Steve Lockwood from Cambridge. Equally at home playing rock, jazz, blues or film scores, Steve has played with everyone from Larry Adler to Screamin’ Lord Sutch and the Prague and London Philharmonic orchestras. Holding down a solid bass beat is Paul McCarthy, who is equally adept on electric and double basses. Add to this the wonderful vocal harmonies of Frances Foley and Melanie O’Reilly and you have a truly winning combination. 
The Modal Monks Steve has just finished recording an EP CD with rock band, The Modal Monks. Featuring on four of the five tracks he plays rock harmonica with a contempory twist. Steve will be apearing with the guys throughout London and East Anglia, for more information and music downloads please click below  http://www.themodalmonks.com/
| Eric Roche: RiP |
Tragically, after suffering from cancer for more than a year, Eric Roche has now passed away.
Eric's ‘dance with cancer’ had developed to such an extent that it became untreatable & it has now come to a graceful end.
Eric died peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday 6th September 2005 with his wife by his side.
Those of you who were fortunate enough to see Eric in action at one of his shows &/or to meet him personally, you will undoubtedly have been touched by his incredibly dynamic & moving performances; a consummate artist & a deeply spiritual man, one of the most genuine & inspirational people you are ever likely to meet.
A good friend once commented that in a crowded concert room, Eric had the ability to make you feel that he was talking & playing directly to you; as only the greatest artists can do.
RiP Eric Roche. You will be very sadly missed by those whose lives you touched.
Eric's family would like people to know how grateful they are for all the thoughts, words & prayers being directed towards them at this time - it really does mean so much to them.
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| | Benefit Gigs"> Benefit Gigs |
Many of Eric's friends in the Guitar world want to reach out & help, in the best way they know how. These benefit gigs are not just about raising money & awareness, they are also a way of showing Eric how his music (& his whole being!) influences, inspires & 'touches' many many people.
Soul & Strings Festival, Italy - throughout November 05
Haverhill Arts Centre - Sunday 4th December (what would have been Eric's 38th birthday)
Other benefit gigs are also being planned .......
| ERIC ROCHE AND STEVE LOCKWOOD Eric Roche  Eric is arguably the leading light of the new generation of fingerstyle guitarists. Lead, rhythm, bass and percussion flow relentlessly from Eric's guitar, resonating to the merest touch. His material is presented in an open, honest, personable way, the music tugging at the emotions. "A great guitarist - Beautiful to watch!" Martin Taylor Steve is no stranger to the Mumford Theatre, previous concerts were covered by ITV, channel 4 and the BBC. His infectious delivery and technical knowledge has augmented many local and international artists, including Horace X and the City Of Prague Orchestra. Steve has spent the last two years playing a variety of sessions for TV, Films, radio and a whole host of national bands. "I rather admire him!" Larry Adler. Concert reviews Hot lips and flying fingers
The blend of acoustic guitarist Eric Roche and harmonica player Steve Lockwood is a force to be reckoned with. Both session musicians and tutors in their respective instruments, the pair literally glue you to the spot as they wield their musical magic on stage.
An interesting and complete combo, both Steve and Eric enter the stage dressed in black from top to toe; an accident? I’m not sure; but it worked for me, it gave them an air of black magic and mystery and left you wondering what to expect.
Their combined stage personna is humorous and calming; they are both funny yet gentle, kind men and this is clear when you see them on stage. They obviously connect on a deep level and you can feel a deep friendship oozing from the stage as they jerk and jive while playing. They inject humour between songs by telling quirky stories and jibing each other, which unites the audience with them producing an overall comforting and happy ambience in the auditorium.
It was obvious to me the second they began playing that both men share a relationship with their instruments. Couple this with their keen understanding of each other and you have a match made in musical heaven.
Eric plays guitar in a manner I have not seen before. Slapping, hitting and strumming his guitar as he dances around the stage, this man is so utterly absorbed in his music that you imagine he has forgotten where he is entirely. And then he looks up and smiles at Steve and makes you simply love him. Steve likewise plays harmonica in a fascinating fashion. His whole body writhes in time to the music as he gives it all he’s got. Quite honestly you’ll never see harmonica played like this again! The man behaves as if he were born with his harp in his mouth. Both men are more than competent singers and offer lyrics as well as solo musical excerpts, giving the audience a full and complete musical menu.
Their play list is an eclectic mix of music covering everything from jazz, blues and Hendrix to traditional folk, funk and boogie woogie offered in a contemporary yet unique style.
My particular favourite on the night was Moon River, a song that always makes me cry. And this time it also hit the mark - their version was superior.
Other magnificent tracks played on the night were Caramel by Suzanne Vega, Hide your Love Away, Chameleon, Why My Guitar Gently Weeps, The Train Song as well as songs from Herbie Hancock, Hendrix, Boney M and Stevie Wonder with a scattering of their own material to garnish!
A delicious duo, I would pay again and again to see these two perform. They are obviously highly skilled musicians which have a deep affection for each other and a respect for their instruments that only comes from being at the top of your profession.
The night was over all too quickly and I was left in a dreamlike trance as the curtain fell. Quite frankly it was an enchanting set!
Alex Fox
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It's unlikely that the Mumford Theatre has ever seen anything quite like it. Harmonica ace Steve Lockwood and guitar supermo Eric Roche joined tour-de-forces last night to serve up a duelling duo of razor-sharp musical wit - spanning everything from Moon River to My Cherie Amour and The Beatles to Brubeck.
Stretching the definition of what you can do with these otherwise everyday instruments, the pair interspersed moving recitals of well-known ballads with both duetted and solo outbursts of musical energy - Roche's self-penned and percussive paean to London traffic 'Roundabout' matched blow-for-blow by Lockwood's interpretation of 'Star-Spangled Banner'. And don't worry - if you think that sounds a bit conventional, we're talking Jimi Hendrix's explosive version as seen at Woodstock, re-invented for spark-spitting, genre-bending electric harmonica.
Expect the unexpected as these two mind-expanding minstrels - each an acknowledged virtuoso in their own right - take to the theatre and festival circuit in coming months.
Phil Ward
Coming soon Clips of radio interviews, quiz questions and performances University Challenge BBC 2 - Quiz question 13/11/03 The Weakest Link BBC 2 - Quiz question 13/05/04 Jeremy Vine BBC Radio 2 - Interview 21/05/04 and lots more to come
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