From its lofty position overlooking the Liffey, Dublin's Ha'penny Bridge Inn gained a near legendary status as the early stamping ground of one Damien Rice. Today the regular Monday night upstairs faithful turn out for The Sick and Indigent Song Club, a ramshackle blend of old-time, folk, blues and just about any musical form in between. Their debut album The Inistioge Folly captures the essence of this outfit that reflects the free-thinking, cosmopolitan and creative environment that is Dublin today.
Gary Fitzpatrick's rich Irish brogue holds on to the traditions of folk, but the arrangements weave Ireland and the Smoky Mountains ever closer, with equal measures of Appalachian old-time neo-bluegrass added into the mix. On other songs, the distinctive vocal style of Scot Angie McLaughlin comes to the fore with her sweet and shrill Celtic tones.
The Ha'Penny Bridge Inn crowd are normally treated to a passionate mix of original and traditional, but on The Inistioge Folly the focus is on the Song Club's own, slightly more laid back, material.
An organic sounding affair, the haunting dobro lead of Gerry Fitzpatrick is used sparingly to great effect (in the style of the inspirational Al Perkins), and the skills of Shane McGrath and Sheila Sullivan on mandolin and fiddle are outstanding. Bass duties and blues harmonica are provided by Christian Volkmann, adding yet another dimension to the already multi-faceted sound.
The Inistioge Folly is everything great folk music should be - loaded with Guinness-fuelled fun, but with dark undertones lurking just below the frothy surface.
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