The Ne'er Duwels
What do a Grammy award winning percussionist, a prolific Irish bard and balladeer, a master of the uilleann pipes, and an indie producer/guitarist have in common? They are The Ne’er Duwels, a formidable quartet of seasoned musicians who weave a seamless blend of traditional Irish music, world rhythms and a sound distinctly their own.
The "real deal" from Ireland, Ken O’Malley's rich, resonant voice and engaging stage presence have delighted audiences for over 30 years. "He holds nothing back. Whether singing a passionate ballad, playing a solo on the mandolin, or explaining the gloriously sad history of Erin his homeland, Ken O’Malley is all-in, wide open to the world, and as true as an arrow’s flight. Ken’s fine tenor voice could carry him through a show all alone, but he backs himself beautifully on guitar and mandolin. . . .His wonderful wit and good humor draw us in and carry us along, and the beauty of his songs, both traditional and original, fills us with irresistible joy."
Joining Ken onstage is Patrick D'Arcy, also from Dublin, one of the finest uilleann pipers in the United States. Patrick has toured extensively with many well known artists throughout the world and is also a talented pennywhistle and bodhran player. He is an expert on the culture and history of the Irish pipes and as such is a much sought after teacher and consultant. His work has been featured in many film, television and live theatre productions and was a founding member of the band Flogging Molly.
Bryan Dobbs is the “sound” of the Ne’er Duwels. Originally from New Mexico, Bryan adds the mysterious, the romantic and the attack that traverses the musical spectrum, accompanying on the mandolin, the acoustic guitar or the very creative, innovative sounds of his Fender Stratocaster.
Grammy award winning percussionist Forrest Robinson provides the heartbeat of the ensemble. An alumni of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Forrest has traveled the globe to perform with such artists as India Arie, Victor Wooten, Arrested Development, TLC, and many others. A lover of Celtic music and rhythms, Forrest drives the rhythm that combines The Ne’er Duwels' unique, eclectic blend of traditional Irish music and song with a modern, electronic edge.
The band began when Ken enlisted Bryan and Pat to join him for a weekend of shows in a casino near Las Vegas and it was there that the magic began. Later, Forrest met Ken at one of his solo concerts, another flame was lit and the four became the Ne’er Duwels.
Their debut album features traditional Irish music combined with the lush backing and textures of Bryan’s guitars, locked in by the explosive nature of Forrest’s drumming with Pat’s whistles and pipes hauntingly woven throughout. Ken’s rich voice and solid guitar playing complete the sound that is the Ne’er Duwels.
Guest artists include Brett Anderson, leader of the famous all-female rock ‘n’ roll band The Donnas, local recording artist Hale May, Ken’s daughter Angela O’Malley and Scottish actor/singer Kevin McKidd notably of television’s “Grey’s Anatomy” fame.
This is an album where traditional Irish music meets modern world sounds and rhythms. There are several original songs as well as some Celtic gems given a new luster and energy as only the Ne’er Duwels can.
"They have a great sound!" -- Larry Kirwan, Celtic Crush, SiriusXM satellite radio.
“It’s always exciting to hear musicians as good as this . . . a fresh new slant to traditional music" -- Ann Peck McBride, Celtic Music Hour, KMUZ radio, Salem, Oregon.
"A spooky, thoroughly imaginative, dark, inspiring, disturbing, beautifully uplifting, brilliant piece of work" -- Matt Brislawn, Concert Master, Peninsula Symphony, Palos Verdes and Long Beach Community Orchestra.
"Irish reels, original songs, and traditional Irish folk tunes, all infused with worldbeats as only the Ne’er Duwels can blend" -- Mark Dresser, Folkworks Magazine.
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