The Donegal X-Press is a
Celtic
Celtic, Celtics or Keltic may refer to:
Language and ethnicity
*pertaining to Celts, a collection of Indo-European peoples in Europe and Anatolia
**Celts (modern)
*Celtic languages
**Proto-Celtic language
* Celtic music
*Celtic nations
Sports Fo ...
rock band formed in
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore ( , locally: or ) is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Maryland, fourth most populous city in the Mid-Atlantic, and the 30th most populous city in the United States with a population of 585,708 in 2020. Baltimore was ...
, in 1997. In recent years, the band has incorporated a distinct country/roots rock sound into their brand of
Irish music, although they have always been known for their eclectic mix of musical styles.
Band history
The Donegal X-Press was formed in early 1997 by Brad Dunnells (
guitar, vocals) and Jason Tinney (
harmonica
The harmonica, also known as a French harp or mouth organ, is a free reed wind instrument used worldwide in many musical genres, notably in blues, American folk music, classical music, jazz, country, and rock. The many types of harmonica inclu ...
, vocals), two
Towson University theater students. After drafting their friends Lyle Hein (bass, vocals) and Morgan Stanton (percussion, vocals), the group set out to play a one-off gig for a friend's
St. Patrick's Day
Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick ( ga, Lá Fhéile Pádraig, lit=the Day of the Festival of Patrick), is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (), the foremost patr ...
party. They took their name from "Donegal Express," a song by
Shane MacGowan and The Popes. They received such an enthusiastic response at their first show that they decided to take their act to some local
pubs, most notably Mick O'Shea's in downtown Baltimore.
After adding Skye Sadowski (fiddle) and Laura Hein (keyboards), the group released their first album, ''Whiskey Bars A-Go-Go'', in 1999.
In 2000, they released their second album, ''Quinn's Diaries''. The album went on to receive numerous positive reviews, and was named Album of the Year by the Irish Voice, beating out the likes of
Sinéad O'Connor
Shuhada Sadaqat (born Sinéad Marie Bernadette O'Connor on 8 December 1966; ) is an Irish singer-songwriter. Her debut album, ''The Lion and the Cobra'', was released in 1987 and charted internationally. Her second album, ''I Do Not Want What ...
and
U2. Additionally, the song "Omagh," which appeared on ''Quinn's Diaries'', won First Prize at the Songs for Peace Concert in
Cork
Cork or CORK may refer to:
Materials
* Cork (material), an impermeable buoyant plant product
** Cork (plug), a cylindrical or conical object used to seal a container
***Wine cork
Places Ireland
* Cork (city)
** Metropolitan Cork, also known as G ...
, in March 2001. Singer Brad Dunnells, who wrote the song, is the only American to ever win the award. Also in 2000, Jeff Malcom (bass, drums) joined the band. Jeff and Skye are married and have three children.
The band has continued to tour and release albums, the latest being ''Father O'Leary Memorial Boys Club'' in 2005.
Discography
*''Whiskey Bars A-Go-Go'' (1999)
*''Quinn's Diaries'' (2000)
*''Translations'' (2001)
*''Stand Alone'' (2003)
*''Father O'Leary Memorial Boys Club'' (2005)
*''Paid Off The Boom'' (2012)
External links
Donegal X-Press' official website
1997 establishments in Maryland
Rock music groups from Maryland
Celtic music groups
Ethnic music in the United States
Irish-American culture in Baltimore
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