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| Gaelic Storm's "Raised On Black & Tans" Celebrates Irish-American Pride Gaelic Storm's "Raised on Black & Tans, " recently an iTunes Song of the Week, may seem at first listen like a celebration of all things Irish, from singer Ronnie Drew of The Dubliners to the Celtic cross. But listen carefully to the lyrics of the riotous rocker, the first single from 'Cabbage' (out August 3 from Lost Again Records), and you'll notice a subtle twist. The first-person lyrics confess, "I'm from the wrong side of the south side/Of an Irish neighborhood/I've never been to Ireland/But I know it's in my blood." "Raised on Black & Tans" is not simply a celebration of Irish culture – the emphasis is on Irish-American culture. Murphy, a native of Cork, credits the lyrics as the result of meeting many Irish-Americans with a stronger sense of their "Irishness" than he himself has. Murphy points out that Black & Tans, a drink blending pale ale and stout, are far more popular in the US than they are in Ireland. "Raised on Black & Tans" celebrates this strong sense of Irish-American pride, and emphasizes the aspects of Irish culture that Americans feel connected to in particular. Gaelic Storm's summer touring schedule is likely to deliver full houses across the U.S., and includes headlining slots on major festivals in addition to a "Pub of the Month" after-party series to connect and hang out with their fans. They have previously toured alongside artists including Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, and The Barenaked Ladies, and will perform on the Sailing Southern Ground Cruise with Zac Brown Band this fall. write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Jazz News :: home page |