OUR FIRST CD - DEFORESTATION - IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE
You can use your credit card to purchase it online now, by clicking here
Inspired by Ireland’s great 1990s group Lunasa, Woodkerne's driven pursuit of melody interwoven by rhythm created by banjo, violin, guitar, bouzouki and bodhran results in breathtaking arrangements that stir the soul and free the mind!
Named for a gathering of doughty Irish robin-hoods in the 1490s, Woodkerne is the culmination of some of the top musical talents in western Massachusetts. Its members have helped formed the backbone of some of the greatest acoustic groups in the area: John Rough (of Maple Ridge, Swift River) - five string banjo - brings a rich heritage of improvisation and American cultural roots to this Celtic mix; Adam Sweet (of Maple Ridge, Swift River, Sweet Blend, Backwoods Medicine) - violin and bouzouki - contributes a stellar classical sound with a fantastic skirling style, his bow flashing colors across the imagination landscape; Andy Wiener (of Hart & Soul) - bodhran - stimulates the senses with drumming that is unheard of in this world, yea he brings the underworld, literally the world of the Sidh to bear, and we can hear their trumpets blaze in the dark as they come through! Guitarists Paul Burton (of The Black Rebels) and James Bunting contribute a solid backbone with splashes of fire and water, literally burning and cooling as the music progresses.
Primarily Celtic in nature, the genres covered by the band include traditional Irish tunes by Turloch O'Carolan and others, Scottish, Welsh, French Canadian, Nova Scotian and New England Contra; as well as folk songs from the great American Folk history - many of them with roots in Irish and Scottish folk music.
Like what you hear? Want to hire the band for YOUR special event?
Woodkerne is available for weddings, commitment ceremonies, private parties, festivals, concerts and just about any special event you can conjour up! CONTACT us for details with your event and budget.
I wanted to let you all know that my two CDs are now available online at www.brianbender.com/musicstore.htm
BRIAN BENDER & THE WORLD BEATNIKS - "Urban Jungle" Original Reggae, Funk, Afrobeat, Calypso, Samba, Second Line compositions.
With special guests: Eric Krasno (Soulive, Lettuce) Adam Deitch (John Scofield, Lettuce) Charles Neville (Neville Brothers) Jose Gonzalez (Bando Criollo) Backa Niang (Gokhi-Bi System)
BRIAN BENDER & LITTLE SHOP OF HORAS- "Eyn Velt" Original and traditional Jewish melodies blended with Latin, Caribbean, African and Middle Eastern rhythms.
With special guests: Frank London (Klezmatics, Hasidic New Wave) Alicia Svigals (Klezmatics, Mikveh) Stuart Brotman (Brave Old World) Charles Neville (Neville Brothers) Grant Smith (Klezmer Conservatory Band) Raquy Danziger (Raquy & The Cavemen)
Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures. --John F. Kennedy
Thanks for the request.Great sounds coming from a local group.Well,local to me anyway.Your sounds take me back to visiting my grandmother.She loved Celtic music.Thanks again!
Hi, thank you for the request on our space, i listen to your music and i think that it's great, so different from us but so deeply interesting. thank you, Accordo dei Contrari
You are a worthy individual, no matter what your past, no matter what your thoughts, no matter who believes in you. You are life itself, growing and expanding and reaching upward. All people are valuable and beautiful and unique. Every experience you have is meant to teach you more about creating love in your life.
