Leprechaun Water was conceived one beery night by three family members listening to Irish folk music after a recent trip to Ireland.
Ex Death Metal lead guitarist Paddy Wakeham, spontaneously decided to purchase a fiddle.............Much ale was later consumed as he taught himself to play it, after some time two other family members joined, Jamie Wakeham (his brother) on Guitar and Viv Wakeham (their Dad), born in Wexford Ireland, on Bodhran and other percussion. After countless hours of practice, creating and remembering our set list we started to play to live audiences with great success, and we have recently been joined by Sean Bay on fiddle.
After more practice, more giging and more ale, now two years on, here is our first Professionally recorded CD EP. "Traditional Irish Jigs And Reels", the music of old Ireland, released by ourselves, we hope you will enjoy it as much as we did making it. Leprechaun Water.
Leprechaun Water are,
Paddy Wakeham,Lead Fiddle,Tin Whistle,Mandolin and Tenor Banjo.
Jamie Wakeham,Guitar and Tenor Banjo.
Viv Wakeham (their Dad) Bodhran, other Percussion.
Sean Bay Fiddle.
Review
AT THE GOLDEN LION PUB, ST IVES. 1st July '07. The Golden Lion, St Ives. LEPRECHAUN WATER The Golden Lion was fairly busy when we arrived at half eight on Sunday evening. The smoking ban now in full force...I was a little concerned as to whether it would affect the turnout, but all seemed to be well (possibly helped by the smoking area/beer garden!) By the time the Leprechaun Water band members started to arrive, the bar was reasonably full. They kicked off with their first set at just after nine, with Viv (the "goatskin whacker") on Bodhran, Jay on Guitar, Paddy on Fiddle and stand in for Sean on the night, Will on Mandolin. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and authenticity of the music. By the time they were a couple of tracks in and the ales were flowing, it felt very comfortable, and my local took on the air of a public house in the depths of Southern Ireland. With a lovely warm and natural feeling, the band played entirely acoustically for the duration of the first set. As things started to busy later in the evening, they set up a single amplifier and microphone, which helped enormously due to the amount of bodies in the room! Thoroughly entertaining second and third sets involved some changes in instrumentation, and a great vocal line from Will on a couple of tracks. All in all an exceedingly enjoyable evening, involving a wide range of Celtic sounds, happily managing to avoid lapsing, as unfortunately many so called Irish groups do, into the "cliche" tunes. i.e. It was great to see an Irish style group who do not have to rely on "The Wild Rover" and suchlike to get them through a gig! One of few bands that I would go out of my way to see again, and a "must see" for anyone who enjoys a traditional night out! REVIEW KINDLY WRITTEN BY ANDY,WHY THE AUBERGINE.
REVIEW BY PHIL GREENWOOD UK BANDS NETWORK.
The Irish Post-Folk band 'Leprechaun Water' had nothing short of a triumphant debut on the Bands UK Network with 'Gravel Walk'. The Demo is an instrumental full of spirit, uplift and a great sense of fun.
REVIEW
Folk
Leprechaun Water are,
Paddy Wakeham,Lead Fiddle,Tin Whistle,Mandolin and Tenor Banjo.
Jamie Wakeham,Guitar and Tenor Banjo.
Viv Wakeham (their Dad) Bodhran, other Percussion.
Sean Bay Fiddle.
Lets get one thing out of the way from the beginning, 'Leprechaun Water' are never going to fill Wembley or the O2 stadium. However, they are going to pack out a pub, and I guess that is going to be exactly what they want. Unpretentious, honest music produced by three family members, Paddy Wakeham, Jamie Wakeham, Viv Wakeham and friend Sean Bay, who got together and conceived their band after a 'beery night' listening to Irish folk music during a trip to Ireland.
Hailing from Newquay, Leprechaun Water are a band that have created their own musical niche on our sites and their popularity has risen with 'Gravel Walk' consistently featuring in our top ten demos.
Band pics consciously and sub consciously speak volumes about a band, and Leprechaun Water demonstrate great qualities. They come across as fun, genuine and an escape from the dreaded image conscious false pretence and posing that is so often seen.
Within the photos, are four very telented misicians who play challenging arrangements as a coherent and well disciplined team where hours and hours of practice has paid off.
Morrison
'Morrison' demonstrates some great variety in their demo set. To understand the complexities of traditional Irish folk music, you have to really tune your ear in. If you make the effort in doing that, you get a real sense of warmth. It is 'feel good' music that hits the emotions and senses in a way that other genres don't.
Without getting into too many specifics, their sound involves the audience because it draws upon the best elements of contemporary folk. Playing with an emphasis on great timing and the interweaving of each musical instrument, they have the ability to project a sense that they are really going somewhere with their tuneful and captivating approach.
Out On The Ocean
'Out of the Ocean' has both spiritual and epic qualities. I can imagine stomping my feet in a festival tent with a beer in hand. It's the kind of music that breaks inhibitions and encourages people who may never have previously met to socialise and enjoy a shared experience.
Previous reviews have stated that 'Leprechaun Water involve a wide range of Celtic sounds, happily managing to avoid lapsing, as unfortunately many so called Irish groups do, into the "cliche" tunes.' We agree with this asssessment. Leprechaun Water are refreshingly individual. I do not claim to be an expert in this genre, but my interest has been significantly heightened by this talented and charismatic group.
Phil Greenwood.
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