BlackJack, JackRock, JackGrass, BlackRock . . . BlackGrass. This IS Jackdaw.
In 2007, Jackdaw released their CD, entitled Blackgrass. Fourteen tracks accompany artwork and photography in a tri-fold pocket signifying a stark revisitation to the innermost root of all genres of music. The title stands alone in defining exactly what occurs when Rock meets Folk then stumbles upon Blues.
Each CD bears a sticker on the front, similar to that of a liquor bottle seal, as in aged Scotch or fine wine. The stickers bear lyrics, each CD completely singular. Holding Blackgrass in your palms and having to tear that sticker is bittersweet, yet every second worth it.
Jackdaw consists of Tim Byrne ~ lead/backing vocals, guitars, mandolin, banjo and piano, Joe Davies ~ fiddle virtuoso, Tommy Jordon ~ lead/backing vocals and bass, David, A. Moore ~ lead/backing vocals, accordion, English concertina, button box, uillean/highland pipes, hurdy gurdy and whistles and George Tutuska ~ lead vocals and percussion.
“Everything Seems So Damn Simple” is quick and upbeat speaking of life and survival, how one can feel comfort until left alone while “Dance” leads you down into a cavern branded with an eclectic mix of instrumentals and vocals with a funky 80’s beat melded with a 70’s discotheque sound. Musically, “Bye Bye Lust” is a feel good song, one to keep you moving, yet lyrically this is a goodbye, a turn around. Change.
“Annelise” is where you can catch Joe and his fiddle creating beautiful hurt. This song is a wish for the one in front of you to be the one that you love. “Galway Girl” is Jackdaw’s rendition of Steve Earle’s original and they took this tune and made it their own, as they are known to do. It will get you reeling and dancing, singing along with a hey ahh hey ahhh ayeee. Positive and uplifting, lyrically, it speaks of the beauty and heartbreak of Galway.
“Shiny Black With Rain”, musically and lyrically is Jackdaw coming together as one. The rain and thunder effect mixed with a sole pianist sets you up for harmonies and instrumentals. This tune is poetic in nature sending a message of that one true love you were lucky enough to find, almost lose, rediscover, and somehow, still have in your possession. This song is so wonderfully mastered; you can picture a story unfolding before your eyes while listening. It is, life itself, unwinding in vocals, whistles, fiddle, guitar, bass, drums, with all of Jackdaw contributing to a musical masterpiece.
Above: Jackdaw on Tifft Street
Jackdaw has won numerous awards seven years and counting, along with graphic design by David A. Moore for their CDS and posters. The essential way to get the best out of Jackdaw is to see them live, which I refer to as The Jackdaw Experience. Every show is a rollercoaster ride, each song played differently and when the last note is heard for the night, they leave you wishing they would never stop playing. Each member of Jackdaw is an artist in their own right and onstage they are, by far, the best band this generation will see.
To get ahold of Blackgrass, because you MUST, visit www.brokencans.com and go to Contacts. Check out the merchandise, the shows, the forum and email Shawn Byrne, their manager, @ sf_byrne@hotmail.com. (There is an underscore after the sf.)
Jackdaw takes you right along with them on their bus, The Black Moriah, for the ride of your life that bears the name of Blackgrass. After you break open the label on the front, pop out the red and black CD. Hiding behind it is a simple statement that packs a punch:
You are listening to BLACKGRASS by JACKDAW. Everything Will Change.
And it does. Trust me.
Top Photo: Jackdaw @ the small boat harbor on Lake Erie.
CLUB W
Sunday, March 16
199 Delaware, south of Chippewa
3:00 Show