World of Monsters (1990) Mike Kirkpatrick, David Callahan, Jackie Moran, Sean Cleland, Kathleen Keane + Winston Damon
Kill Mice Elf (1992) Mike Kirkpatrick, David Callahan, Jackie Moran, Sean Cleland GUESTS: Yvonne Brunner, Chantal Wentworth, Eric Remschneider
Little High Sky Show (1995) Mike Kirkpatrick, David Callahan, Paul Bradley, Sean Cleland GUESTS: Linda Pitmon, Robin Anders, Doug Brush, Pat Broaders
Influences
pink floyd, bothy band, charles mingus, the who, george martin, cuz teahan, martin hayes, bob dylan, kevin burke, duke ellington, nick drake, led zeppelin, black sabbath, stones, de dannan, soft machine, king crimson, procul harem, midnight court, jefferson airplane, tangerine dream, quiet sun, david bowie, the byrds, john jacob niles, syd barrett, kevin burke, charlie lennon
The Drovers was formed in 1988 by fiddler Sean Cleland. The band recorded its first album - "World of Monsters" - with drummer Jackie Moran, guitarist Mike Kirkpatrick, bassist/vocalist David Callahan, flautist/vocalist Kathleen Keane, and fiddler Sean Cleland. Winston Damon (aka Stone Ulele) joined the group late in the recording and can be heard playing percussion on track no. 10.
The group toured for the next couple of years with this ensemble, but at last Kathleen decided to part ways and then Jackie excused himself. The group went back to work as a four-piece and produced an EP, titled "Kill Mice Elf."
By this time, the band had drawn the attention of director Michael Apted ("Gorillas in the Mist," "Coal Miner's Daughter," "Seven Up") and were cast in the thriller "Blink," (1994 - New Line Cinema) performing as themselves with the addition of the fictional character (played by Madeleine Stowe) around whom the story revolved. A soundtrack recording was released and the band won acclaim for its contributions.
The Drovers continued touring and such, then convened in 1995 at the studio of producer Steve Albini to record "Little High Sky Show," released on Thermometer Sound Surface. The group also recorded in Minneapolis with Tommy Roberts and with Chicago engineers Bob Weston and Jeff Moleski.
Following the release of said record, the band went through a number of personnel changes and continued touring for five more years, while working on another recording. The self-released "The Drovers" was put out in 2001 with limited distribution.
Finally, the Drovers stopped touring and recording to pursue other opportunities: Mike Kirkpatrick can be heard in the Western Michigan Irish traditional-inspired group Fonn Mhor; David Callahan formed the Scando-Celtic psychedelic Stroby Alliance and now lives near Stockholm, Sweden; Paul Bradley formed PC Guild, a software business catering to the concert touring industry; Sean Cleland now heads the Irish Music School of Chicago.
Thanks for the add! I've had "In a Mist" stuck in my head for at least... 12 years. I remember hearing your music a lot back when I used to dance with Trinity but I couldn't remember the name of your band!
BLINK is the only soundtrack I have ever purchased. I bought it the day after I saw the film. "Insulated Man" is still one of my favorites songs. It's perfect for testing the capacity of one's speakers on a sluggish morning.
Speaking of which, there's a smokin' new Progressive Classical track up on Mad Nutcracker titled "Wasp Flight" Currently #2 in Progressive Rock on SoundClick.
Hey guys - I did enjoy your message you left for me, well - what better compliment could I ask for?! Thank u x Keep rocking and making brilliant sounds xF
I love the Drovers. They will always be one of my all time favorite bands. I also discovered them bcz of the movie Blink.They are very nice house guests. They crashed at my house in Interlaken after a show at the old Haunt in Ithaca 10 or 12 years ago. Sean was still in the band as was Meryl. Thanks for putting this Drovers spot on myspace.
hi guys! we're actually coming to chicago today for some sessions. we try and make it down every now and again for sessions on sundays. hopefully we'll run into you one of these times!
Lived a few blocks from Shuba's and saw you guys there several times as well as out at The Abbey in the late 80's. Wish I could get a new copy of the live recording from one of your Shuba's concerts, my cassette is about worn out :-(
The Drovers hung out in my living room one time after a gig. Granted, I was 4 years old and asleep at the time, it's still an interesting happening. They played with my brother's action figures.
The Drovers were a big part of my childhood. World of Monsters is quite the album.
