Hailing from Tyrone, Derry, Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan, Australia and the US, The Seeger Sessions Revival is a dynamic 13-piece band, who will reignite the spirit, energy and musical exuberance of Bruce Springsteen’s legendary Seeger Sessions album at Monroe’s Live on Friday, September 8.
Featuring fiddle, banjo, accordion, steel guitar, whistle, a thumping rhythm section, a rousing four-piece brass section and strong vocal harmonies, it's set to be a celebration of the best of traditional American music – incorporating folk, bluegrass, country, gospel, Dixieland, rock n' roll and rhythm and blues.
The brainchild of Christopher Speer on banjo and acoustic guitar, this gathering of skilled musicians promises an unforgettable evening of toe-tapping rhythms and heartfelt harmonies, complemented with the power of brass, to capture the very heart of American folk as envisioned by Springsteen.
Fronted by Dermot McGee, the band also comprises of Darrell Nelson on drums, Donal McGuinness on trombone and bass drum, Robert Goodman on trumpet, Matthew Jennings on sax, Amanda Koser on tuba, flute and sax, fiddle players John Byrne and Derek McGinley, Anne-Marie Devine on accordion, Zara Montgomery on vocals and piano, Michael Gillespie on bass and double bass and Allan Cooke on steel guitar.
As the talented thirteen-piece infuse their own artistry into Springsteen's work, every performance is a chance for Christopher to witness his vision become a reality.
“I had the idea of putting this together for some years,” explains Christopher, “but it was only during lockdown, when the world stopped that I got my act together and put the plan into action.
“I had a ‘dream team’ list of the best musicians I knew, or knew of. When I contacted them about the plan, to my surprise, each and every one of them said yes!”
Springsteen’s homage to the legendary Pete Seeger in 2006 entitled ‘We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions’ breathed new life into the activist’s timeless folk songs, gaining a coveted Grammy award.
Now, 17 years later, The Seeger Sessions Revival will showcase hits such as 'Old Dan Tucker,' 'Jesse James,' and 'When the Saints,' with the authentic drive and ambition of Springsteen's acclaimed album.
“Aside from the actual songs that are timeless and brilliant, it was the looseness and freeness of Springsteen’s take on them in the recordings, along with the obviously excellent musicianship from each member, that instantly drew me to it,” continues Christopher.
“As Bruce said himself, ‘it is not music being written, but music being made’. I think that sums it up perfectly.
“To me, it is music that gets right inside you and makes you dance from the inside out. Now, every night is an absolute pleasure to share the stage with my band, playing these songs.
“The hair still stands on the back of my neck when everything gels, particularly when the brass kicks off into one of the extended brass solos!”
This celebration of musical heritage will light up the stage at Monroe's Live, as the band rekindle the fiery spirit of Springsteen's Seeger Sessions.
“It will be a fantastic night in Monroe's Live,” says Christopher. “It’s a chance to hear some of the best musicians around playing simply great music.
“This band is made for a venue like Monroe's and I think it will be a show that the band, and hopefully the audience, will remember for a long time.”
Tickets to see The Seeger Sessions Revival at Monroe’s Live on Friday, September 8 at 9pm cost €22.50 and are available from monroes.ie
