A hard working band

Midlands based The Whiskey River Band have been making a big name for themselves on the wedding and corporate circuit since their formation in 2004. Last year they released a single called One More Day, and previously in 2005 released an album simply titled Whiskey River Band. Six musicians from Mullingar, Edenderry and Longford have been playing music that is live and real, not relying on drum machines, backing tracks or keyboards to create their authentic live sound. Their success has come from their reputation for great entertainment and reliability which have led The Whiskey River Band to become one of Ireland's top wedding and corporate bands.Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner this week, Barry Coffey, manager and member of the band, explains what it's like to be part of a real-life working band. "The majority of the band have been involved in music for the past 20 years," says Barry. "Myself and the three Whelans used to play locally in different bands. We all had success in our own ways. For instance, Jane McNamee our lead singer was on Glór Tire and did quite well on that show."Made up of Jane McNamee on vocals and percussion, Howard Whelan on acoustic guitar, mandolin and vocals, Adrian Kelly on saxophone and tin whistle, Justin Whelan on bass guitar, Barry Coffey on lead guitar and vocals and Claude Whelan on drums and vocals.When the Whiskey River Band started out six years ago they played ten weddings in their first year, which jumped to forty last year. So do they get the same buzz out of playing wedding and corporate events as they would do from a "normal" gig? "There is a little bit more pressure with what we do because we have to have everything polished. I never really relax until the first song is played at a wedding for instance," says Barry."But when you see people up dancing and enjoying themselves, that's when we get the same buzz as you would with any band playing in a pub for instance."The unique thing about Whiskey River is that we have the right recipe because we cover absolutely every genre, from country to rock n roll, jazz to pop, reggae to traditional music. And we try to get the original sound out of every genre, so I think that's what appeals to people the most," says Barry."Also because I am part of the Music Management Forum - an organisation run by music managers, our clients can expect the highest standards, it gives quality assurance," he explains.So where would Barry like to see the band going in the year ahead?"We'd like to play more festivals. Last year we had a great time at the Clarinbridge Oyster Festival, so we'd like to expand into that route. Something like maybe the Saw Doctors Circuit," he said. "I've always admired the Saw Doctors because they have never changed their music to suit popularity. They always have the greatest craic on stage and their good sense of humour shines through." To find out more the Whiskey River Band simply log onto their website at www.whiskeyriverband.ie or call Barry on 0872280626.