Guys and Doll Live in Ireland
Aside from her solo vocal career, Sue enjoys being an intricate part of the 4-member group, Guys & Doll. Having traveled throughout Europe presenting their mix of early American blues, jazz, folk and traditional, audiences of all ages have anxiously awaited this release. From schools to concert halls, Guys & Doll have and continue to share some of this country's rich musical heritage.
The cover photo, in some ways, helps to explain the wonderful contradictions that led to this album. First, Guys & Doll, a group of musicians from Maryland's Eastern Shore, together since 1996, being invited to Ireland's premier music and arts festival. . . Clifden Arts Week. Next, the group's wonderful success there. . . even with the daunting presence of some of Ireland's most famous performers. . . Tommy Sands, Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney, De Dannan.
Guys & Doll: Live in Ireland was recorded in a variety of venues. . . pubs, halls, and the mystical great hall of the Old Priory, outside of Clifden. We've tried to present a broad sampling here. . . classic jazz, blues, a little folk, even (with some tentativeness) an Irish song or two. Sit back, listen, and try to imagine the group's excitement and joy in playing. Picture the bar of a two hundred year old hotel, soft light, tinkling glasses and murmurs of conversation. . . or a pub, packed with people. . . a chance meeting with the great British rock and jazz fiddler, Ethna Hannigan. . . and in the background of our music, the twang of an Irish banjo. . . or the hush in a room when Sue Matthews sings a ballad. . .
Guys & Doll: Live in Ireland has all of the strengths and weaknesses of live recordings. . . yet it captures some of the magic we experienced. . . we love it. . . and hope you do too.
Sue Matthews - Vocals
Tom McHugh - Vocals, Banjo, Mouth Harp, Trumpet, Kazoo
Bill Matthews - Vocals, Guitar
Tom Anthony - Acoustic Bass
Ethan Hannigan - Fiddle
Recorded by Bernard Sanders & Roger Lewis
Digital Editing & Mastering: Roger Lewis, Monkeyboy Productions, Inc.
Manufacturing Coordinator: Stu Yahm, United Audio/Video Group, Los Angeles, Ca.
Recorded at the Eden Rock Hotel, The Central Hotel Bar & The Old Priory, Ireland
Song List
- I Love Being Here With You (Caesar/Youmans)
- Scotch & Soda (Guard)
- Ain't Misbehavin' (Waller/Razaf)
- Love In Vain (Johnson)
- Stormy Weather (Arlen/Koehler)
- Black Snake Moon (Jefferson)
- These Foolish Things (Strachey/Link/Marvell)
- Sadie Jane (Ledbetter)
- Over The Rainbow (Arlen/Harburg)
- How Long Blues (Carr)
- Stormy Blues (Holliday)
- Back In The Saddle Again (Autry)
- Down By Black Water Side/The River Is Wide (Traditional)
- Caledonia (MacClain)