Shane Mitchell - Co-Founder Of Dervish, World Renowned Irish Traditional Folk Band. Talks About The History Of Irish Music, The Chieftains, U2, And More!
Episode Notes
Shane Mitchell is the accordionist and co-founder of Dervish, the award winning traditional Irish folk band. The group has been together for 33 years, all hailing from County Sligo. They’ve toured the world playing the Great Irish Songbook. In 2019 Dervish received a Lifetime Achievement award from the BBC, and the band has been described by the BBC as “an icon of Irish music”.
My featured song is “Country Drive” from the Trippin’ album by my band, Project Grand Slam. Spotify link here.
“Dream With Robert Miller”. Click here.
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Shane and I discuss the following:
Dervish has been together for 33 years
All hail from County Sligo
All had day jobs before forming the group
Traditional Irish folk music defined
Irish pub jams
Great Irish Songbook
In the Songfest portion we play and discuss:
The May Morning Dew
On Ragland Road (ft. Vince Gill)
The Green Gowned Lass
The Boots Of Spanish Leather
“Live At SteelStacks” is the new 5-song EP by Robert and his band, Project Grand Slam. The release captures the band at the top of their game in performance at the SteelStacks concert venue in Bethlehem, PA. The EP features five of the band’s Greatest Hits written by Robert: “Redemption Road”, “I’m Falling Off Of The World”, “Aches And Pains”, “The One I’m Not Supposed To See” and “Yeah Yeah”, which collectively show off the breadth, scope and sound of the band.
The EP has been highly praised by musicians and reviewers alike. Elliott Randall, of Steely Dan fame, the guitarist who recorded the unforgettable solos in ‘Reelin’ In The Years’, calls Live At SteelStacks “Captivating!”. Tony Carey, the incredible multi-talented artist who has produced Joe Cocker, Eric Burden and John Mayall, says “PGS burns down the house!”. Alan Hewitt of the Moody Blues says “Full of life!” Melody Maker says simply “Virtuoso musicians!”, and Hollywood Digest says “Such a great band!”.
“Live At SteelStacks” can be streamed on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and all the other streaming platforms, and can be downloaded at The PGS Store.
“All Of The Time” is Robert’s most recent single by his band Project Grand Slam. It’s a playful, whimsical love song. It’s light and airy and exudes the happiness and joy of being in love. The reviewers agree. Melody Maker gives it 5 Stars and calls it “Pure bliss…An intimate sound with abundant melodic riches!”. Pop Icon also gives it 5 Stars and calls it “Ecstasy…One of the best all-around bands working today!”. And Mob York City says simply “Excellence…A band in full command of their powers!” Watch the video here. You can stream “All Of The Time” on Spotify, Apple, Amazon or any of the other streaming platforms. And you can download it here.
“The Shakespeare Concert” is the latest album by Robert’s band, Project Grand Slam. It’s been praised by famous musicians including Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, Jim Peterik of the Ides Of March, Joey Dee of Peppermint Twist fame, legendary guitarist Elliott Randall, and celebrated British composer Sarah Class. The music reviewers have called it “Perfection!”, “5 Stars!”, “Thrilling!”, and “A Masterpiece!”. The album can be streamed on Spotify, Apple and all the other streaming services. You can watch the Highlight Reel HERE. And you can purchase a digital download or autographed CD of the album HERE.
“The Fall Of Winter” is Robert’s single in collaboration with legendary rocker Jim Peterik of the Ides Of March and formerly with Survivor. Also featuring renowned guitarist Elliott Randall (Steely Dan/Doobie Brothers) and keyboard ace Tony Carey (Joe Cocker/Eric Burden). “A triumph!” (The Indie Source). “Flexes Real Rock Muscle!” (Celebrity Zone). Stream it on Spotify or Apple. Watch the lyric video here. Download it here.
Robert’s “Follow Your Dream Handbook” is an Amazon #1 Bestseller. It’s a combination memoir of his unique musical journey and a step by step how-to follow and succeed at your dream. Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
Audio production:
Jimmy Ravenscroft
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