Clare area - music scene - Is the West Awake ?

Great Baldini

Hi All

Can anyone tell me about the music scene in Clare - whats the pool of available experienced (read as aged 30+) players is like in South Galway/Clare area nowadays ? Are there currently any decent venues ?

Although I'm currently based in North Kildare, I'm looking at a possible move (a year down the line or so) in that direction.

As a guitarist I'd be looking to hook up with a good bassist (ideally with lead vox as I'm at best "just an ok" harmony singer), a drummer and other guitarists / keyboardists.

I'm not into metal, Irish C&W or pop but would happily play everything from classic/country rock (Eagles) to modern rock (eg Stereophonics, Greenday etc..), funk, reggae, etc. The main criteria is that its well played.

I ideally would like to work in a line-up that makes good use of vocal harmonies and is intelligent with musical arrangements. Guys who like to keep the music interesting to play and to hear. No heroes required - just good solid players. Put a team of good heads together and the band is better than any one individual. I would like to be in a weekend pub band that people actually come to hear playing and has a professional attitude about the show. An enjoyable reasonably local gig most weeks would be ideal.

Some players I've liked over the years: Andy Summers, The Edge, David Gilmour, Gary Moore, Larry Carlton, Steve Lukather, Angus Young, Mark Knopfler, Steve Morse

One of my key sanity breaks wherever I've lived since I was a teenager has been to be able to get out playing decent music with good players. If there was a good possibility of having a music life down in Clare, such a move would look much more attractive.

Any pointers, inputs or contacts will be appreciated.

Thanks

SlapHead

Generally it's difficult to hook up with other misicians in the 30+ age bracket in Clare....either guys are already in a band or have lost interst. The lack of interest is understandable given the lack of interest/ respect gigging bands receive in Clare (& proably the rest of the country)...you might as well be playing to 'cows looking over a ditch' when playing the pub circuit in Clare! That being said if the band is playing the right material with tight arrangements and good sound then that brings it's own pleasure and f**k the punters after that!!!

I'm a bassist with 15+ yrs gigging experience, pro gear and would class myself as a solid player.....would be interested in forming a band to play good covers (max 1 night per week) in the Clare area. Have a drummer ready to gig as well so just need guitars/ vocals to complete line up....anyone out there?

Great Baldini

Hi Slaphead

15 years experience - sounds great

Do you happen to sing ?

What about venues down there (non-cows looking over ditch variety) ?

Do you know any other good guitar players or keyboard players for an occasional gig ?

What sort of stuff would u want to do ideally ?

I guess u must play slap bass with a monikor like that ha ha !

GB