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Banjophony: Bluegrass-Irish Fusion

My most recent record (or album, as Damien O'Kane would say) Banjophony has been out for nearly a month now and we've been thrilled by the brilliant response to our 'cooperating-banjos' sound! There are exciting bits of news we can't mention yet but, for now, here's what some people have been saying about Banjophony, which is available on Amazon as cd or download and iTunes. 

'Fuses together Irish and American bluegrass traditions with impressive ambition' - FOLK ALBUMS OF THE MONTH, The Guardian, July 2018 

'Individually Damien O’Kane & Ron Block are masters of their instruments. In Banjophony, they’ve taken a collective approach to create an album of incredibly captivating music' - Folk Radio 

'They have invented the title Banjophony to describe their sound. I would have called it simply gob-smacking' - 5*Review Spiral Earth 

'Banjophony goes deep into the American-Irish cultural connectivity in a soulful, intricate way' - Irish Music Magazine Official 

'The banjo has too often been the subject of jokes but this transatlantic duo has produced a truly magnificent album - Shire Folk Magazine (Sep/Oct 2018) 

'If you weren't up for swinging your pants to a banjo tune or two, you are now...Ron and Damien are flying the flag for making the banjo more cool and even sexier' - Louderthanwar 

'Banjo playing is the new rock n' roll and you better believe it after listening to this wondrous album' - 4* Review http://getreadytorock.me.uk/blog/2018/07/quick-plays-chinawhite-calm-for-the-restless-damien-okane-ron-block/

“I challenge banjo non-believers not to be moved by this transatlantic banjo union” - Lynette Fay BBC Radio Ulster 

'Absolutely delightful – a superb piece of music by two big banjo players. Working in harmony and tandem – a superb sound. Just so sweet' - BBC Radio Merseyside 

'Phenomenal! I was utterly blown away by these guys. Exquisite musicianship. My gig of the year' - Ralph McTell (after a live show). 

"Beautiful and wild...there are no boundaries here" - Jerry Douglas 

"Banjophony is the soundtrack of summer" - Kate Rusby 

Thanks for all the banjo love!

08/15/2018

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4 comments

  • Mark Byrum

    Mark Byrum Louisville, KY

    Dec 7 2018 11:47 AM
    Just opened Banjophony and put it into my laptop - great music! The 5-string Ron plays and the 4-string played by Damien mix together beautifully! This style of music works well with both banjos (not to mention the outstanding cast of supporting characters on the CD - but I will anyway: great job). This is a terrific album (do we call them that anymore?) and I highly recommend it! Mark Byrum

    Just opened Banjophony and put it into my laptop - great music! The 5-string Ron plays and the 4-string played by Damien mix together beautifully! This style of music works well with both banjos (not to mention the outstanding cast of supporting characters on the CD - but I will anyway: great job). This is a terrific album (do we call them that anymore?) and I highly recommend it!
    Mark Byrum

  • Ron Block of Alison Krauss & Union Station

    Ron Block of Alison Krauss & Union Station

    Dec 7 2018 2:25 PM
    Thanks, Mark! We had a bunch of fun making it and will make more. Best, Ron

    Thanks, Mark! We had a bunch of fun making it and will make more.
    Best,
    Ron

  • Terrill Utt

    Terrill Utt Lakewood, WA

    Jun 13 2019 1:43 AM
    Love the album! My only regret is not being able watch as the tracks were being recorded and mixed. I can imagine you and supporting artists jammin’, even if the actual artist recordings were recorded and then mixed for the final product. Beautiful and great variety! I’m passing through my sixties, but have a Deering Goodtime banjo I bought from Bruce Adolph years ago. I hope learning some basic rolls and chords are still within me reach. Your music inspires. I strongly agree with Steve Martin on this one. Looking forward to release of upcoming guitar album. Come play out our way. Regards - Terry

    Love the album! My only regret is not being able watch as the tracks were being recorded and mixed. I can imagine you and supporting artists jammin’, even if the actual artist recordings were recorded and then mixed for the final product. Beautiful and great variety! I’m passing through my sixties, but have a Deering Goodtime banjo I bought from Bruce Adolph years ago. I hope learning some basic rolls and chords are still within me reach. Your music inspires. I strongly agree with Steve Martin on this one. Looking forward to release of upcoming guitar album. Come play out our way. Regards - Terry

  • Ron Block of Alison Krauss & Union Station

    Ron Block of Alison Krauss & Union Station

    Jul 23 2019 6:04 AM
    Thanks, Terry!

    Thanks, Terry!

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