Back West are the full Irish: a four-piece of young exponents, filled to the brim with the music and soul of the west of Ireland. Reared in the heart of Galway city and county, their music celebrates the historically and culturally rich environment in which they were nurtured as children.
Their stage show is a winning combination of traditional, sassy, modern, technically perfect and musically inspiring, delivered with tremendous and rampant energy. The highly regarded musical siblings, Maureen and Brendan Browne, on fiddle/vocals and accordion respectively, join Lord of the Dance Peter Vickers on hand and foot percussion. To add to this powerful mix is lead guitar and vocalist Fabian Joyce.
With an innovative, revolving door, full-of-possibilities policy, this ensemble, this exemplary foresome invite high calibre, virtuosic guest musicians and singers to fill guest slots. Audiences are indulged with an ever-changing stage landscape. They have previously collaborated with far reaching styles of accompaniment in their work with Shane McGowan (Sligo), Seamie O’Dowd (Sligo), Chris Kelly (Galway), Carl Hession (Galway), Johnny Ringo McDonagh (Galway) and various guest singers.
Back West have set new standards with their unique signature style. Deeply rooted in the tradition, they are ‘an innovative, thrilling ensemble of high calibre and vastly experienced musicians,’ (Irish Music Magazine).
Their performances are polished and effortlessly professional, given the depths of their solo and collective musicianship and talents. The tunes are honed from vast individual repertoires, the music and songs absorbed from all regions of Ireland and beyond. Modern tunes sit comfortably with older compositions, the siblings bounce fiddle and accordion off each other with flourish, Peter’s dancing is theatrical, Fabian’s rhythmical, sensitive connection to the music is intricate. The band’s musical narrative, their stories, the arrangements, energetic performances and professionalism are solid. It is that vital combination which is thrilling their ever increasing audiences in Ireland, Europe and north America.
Back West in concert is a showcase of imaginative, modern day Irish cultural expression, an explosion of songs, tunes, and dances that are vital to the world of contemporary Irish and world music.