PRHMUSIC&ART LOCAL BAND SPOTLIGHT
JAMISON W MUSIC
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e’ve found that by incorporating traditional Irish and Celtic music into rock, pop or even dance beats, we can open listeners up to a music that they would have otherwise not given a chance,” says Frank Daly while discussing the importance of keeping the roots of traditional music alive in this modern day and age. Daly sings and plays guitar (among a collection of other instruments) in one of the Philadelphia area’s best Irish bands, Jamison. The group is known for mixing a night of rock, country and pop covers with more traditional songs, jigs, and reels. “Since we’ve been playing for almost 20 years, we have had some fans tell us that they didn’t like Irish music until they heard us and now are fans of all types of Irish and Celtic music.” Jamison got its start back in 2003 when Joe Driscoll, the talent booker for Finnigan’s Wake, noticed that their upcoming show schedule had nights that still needed to be filled. The iconic Irish bar that sat on the edges of Northern Liberties typically had live music three to four nights a week. After making a few rounds of calls, the band was born and made its debut on St. Patrick’s Day of the same year. Leading up to the night of their first performance, Driscoll was on the phone with one of the local newspapers, providing the rundown
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by Matt Kelchner of the shows that weekend. At the time, the group was nameless. While talking, the glow of a neon Jameson Whiskey sign gave Driscoll all the inspiration he needed and thus Jameson was born. A handful of years and one cease and desist letter later, the group slightly altered its name to that which they go by today - Jamison. While none of the founding members are still playing in the band today, the current lineup has been together for the last several years. Frank Daly and John O’Callaghan share lead vocal, guitar, mandolin and tin whistle duties. Additionally, all the band’s recorded originals were written by either Daly or O’Callaghan. Rounding out the group is Alice Marie on fiddle, viola and vocals; Sean Hicks on lead guitar and harmonica; Anthony Lusi on bass, and AJ Marx behind the drums (with vocals, as well). Introducing fans to Irish and Celtic music they might not have come across either on their own, plays a special role with the band. The way these styles are weaved into songs, rather than making it the centerpoint, helps to pass these centuriesold traditions down to the next generation. “Snippets of our songs could have been played by our grandparents, great-grandparents or even beyond,” Daly explains. “Traditions matter!” The same philosophy is applied to the collection of cover songs that get incorporated into a night’s performance. Jamison approaches each new song they learn by determining
| ROWHOME MAGAZINE | April / May / June 2022
the ways that they can intertwine a Celtic or Irish feel, while keeping the words and melodies at the tune’s core. “Sometimes, the Irish instrumentation takes care of that. Other times, we will change the time signature or throw an Irish reel into it.” After watching Jamison play just a few songs, it’s easy to tell that their thoughtful preparation and planning results in the same outcome - a crowd full of singing (or yelling, depending how far into the night it is) and dancing along. Jamison’s summer schedule has them mostly down the shore playing for people on vacation. This includes performances in Wildwood and Wildwood Crest. Locally, you can find them at Pennypack Park in the Northeast for a performance in July. Occasional full band and solo gigs for Daly will take place around the Northeast and in the city, too. The turning of leaves marks the fall festival season for Jamison, which includes The Bethlehem Celtic Classic, North Wildwood Irish Weekend and The Maryland Irish Festival. Daly notes, “Beyond that, we will be working on our annual American Celtic Christmas Show.” Head over to www.JamisonCR.com for the most up-to-date concert schedule and be sure to check out Jamison as they make their way around greater Philadelphia and the surrounding areas! To enjoy the band from home, their music can be found via iTunes and Spotify by searching “Jamison Celtic Rock”. PRH gohomephilly.com
