Bluegrass was formed out of a number of cultural influences, but among the strongest is Irish music as brought over by the Irish diaspora. And while there are many examples of American bluegrass and roots musicians who travel to Ireland to explore their musical heritage, there are not a lot of examples of bluegrass bands from Ireland who cause a stir in America.

Until now.

Toward the end of April, I went to hear JigJam—described as the “best Irish band in bluegrass”—play a spirited set for the Institute of Musical Traditions concert series. Their website promises “foot stomping, high energy badassery” when you see them live, and that’s a pretty good description of the evening’s offering. 

The band is composed of Jamie McKeogh (Lead singer and guitar) and Daithi Melia (5 String Banjo and Dobro), both from Offaly, Ireland; Tipperary-born Gavin Strappe (Mandolin and Tenor Banjo); and the only non-Irish member of the band, Kevin Buckley (Fiddle) from Missouri. They don’t have a bass player, but in its place they play a PorchBoard stompbox which creates a “ground shaking low-end beat” that seemed to work effectively with their music.

It wouldn’t be an Irish bluegrass band if they didn’t have a song about Irish Whiskey. JigJam has that covered in Tullamore to Boston.

Red Paddy on the Ridge gives the boys a chance to stretch out their instrumental chops, and you can hear how Irish and Bluegrass music have come together so easily. Hello World is an original tune written by McKeogh.

The band ended their debut at the Grand Ole Opry—and their IMT show—with the spirited June Apple.

The band left IMT to head to their first engagement at Merlefest. I’m sure they won over many new fans at that iconic festival.

As their website notes,

“Bluegrass has its roots in Irish music and Irish immigration. JigJam is what happens when the Irish find their prodigal son.“

Enjoy!

DJB

Photos of JigJam by DJB