Donegal X-Press
Encyclopedia
The Donegal X-Press is a Celtic
rock band formed in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1997. In recent years, the band has incorporated a distinct country/roots rock sound into their brand of Irish music, although they have always been known for their eclectic mix of musical styles.
, vocals) and Jason Tinney (harmonica
, vocals), two Towson University
theater students. After drafting their friends Lyle Hein (bass, vocals) and Morgan Stanton (percussion, vocals), the group set out to play a one-off gig for a friend's St. Patrick's Day party. They took their name from "Donegal Express," a song by Shane MacGowan and The Popes
. They received such an enthusiastic response at their first show that they decided to take their act to some local pubs, most notably Mick O'Shea's in downtown Baltimore.
After adding Skye Sadowski (fiddle) and Laura Hein (keyboards), the group released their first album, Whiskey Bars A-Go-Go, in 1999.
In 2000, they released their second album, Quinn's Diaries. The album went on to receive numerous positive reviews, and was named Album of the Year by the Irish Voice, beating out the likes of Sinéad O'Connor
and U2
. Additionally, the song "Omagh," which appeared on Quinn's Diaries, won First Prize at the Songs for Peace Concert in Cork
, in March 2001. Singer Brad Dunnells, who wrote the song, is the only American to ever win the award. Also in 2000, Jeff Malcom (bass, drums) joined the band. Jeff and Skye are married and have three children.
The band has continued to tour and release albums, the latest being Father O'Leary Memorial Boys Club in 2005.
Celtic music
Celtic music is a term utilised by artists, record companies, music stores and music magazines to describe a broad grouping of musical genres that evolved out of the folk musical traditions of the Celtic people of Western Europe...
rock band formed in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1997. In recent years, the band has incorporated a distinct country/roots rock sound into their brand of Irish music, although they have always been known for their eclectic mix of musical styles.
Band history
The Donegal X-Press was formed in early 1997 by Brad Dunnells (guitarGuitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, vocals) and Jason Tinney (harmonica
Harmonica
The harmonica, also called harp, French harp, blues harp, and mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used primarily in blues and American folk music, jazz, country, and rock and roll. It is played by blowing air into it or drawing air out by placing lips over individual holes or multiple holes...
, vocals), two Towson University
Towson University
Towson University, often referred to as TU or simply Towson for short, is a public university located in Towson in Baltimore County, Maryland, U.S...
theater students. After drafting their friends Lyle Hein (bass, vocals) and Morgan Stanton (percussion, vocals), the group set out to play a one-off gig for a friend's St. Patrick's Day party. They took their name from "Donegal Express," a song by Shane MacGowan and The Popes
Shane MacGowan and The Popes
Shane MacGowan and The Popes was a band formerly led by Shane MacGowan of the Pogues, who played a blend of rock, and Irish folk, sometimes referred to as Paddy Beat, borrowing from World Beat, a popular genre name in the 1980s. Shane MacGowan and the Popes released two studio and one live album in...
. They received such an enthusiastic response at their first show that they decided to take their act to some local pubs, most notably Mick O'Shea's in downtown Baltimore.
After adding Skye Sadowski (fiddle) and Laura Hein (keyboards), the group released their first album, Whiskey Bars A-Go-Go, in 1999.
In 2000, they released their second album, Quinn's Diaries. The album went on to receive numerous positive reviews, and was named Album of the Year by the Irish Voice, beating out the likes of Sinéad O'Connor
Sinéad O'Connor
Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor is an Irish singer-songwriter. She rose to fame in the late 1980s with her debut album The Lion and the Cobra and achieved worldwide success in 1990 with a cover of the song "Nothing Compares 2 U"....
and U2
U2
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music...
. Additionally, the song "Omagh," which appeared on Quinn's Diaries, won First Prize at the Songs for Peace Concert in Cork
Cork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
, in March 2001. Singer Brad Dunnells, who wrote the song, is the only American to ever win the award. Also in 2000, Jeff Malcom (bass, drums) joined the band. Jeff and Skye are married and have three children.
The band has continued to tour and release albums, the latest being Father O'Leary Memorial Boys Club in 2005.
Discography
- Whiskey Bars A-Go-Go (1999)
- Quinn's Diaries (2000)
- Translations (2001)
- Stand Alone (2003)
- Father O'Leary Memorial Boys Club (2005)