Biography THE O MARLEYS
CONTACT:
theomarleys@hotmail.co.uk / 07837370710 /
Band Members: John Fitzsimons (Guitar Vocals elec percussion) James King (Bass & Bodhran) Mac Moulton (Vocals Fiddle/ banjo/ melodian)
Formed: Jan 2007.
Influences: The Dubliners, the Chieftains, Lee Scratch Perry and the Upsetters, Bob Marley, The Pogues, The Clash, The Papers, the Mighty Plod, Thin Lizzy...and a myriad of others.
Originally from Derry and Donegal, The O Marley’s are a fusion of rock, jazz, Irish folk and reggae. They use traditional Irish songs as the basis of much of their eclectic set, but adapt them into other forms along the way. “The Rocky Road to Dublin” and “Tell me Ma” keep a traditional frantic pace, but swing towards the kind of rock rhythm that is reminiscent of the of The Clash or The Police.
In the rhythm section there is the wild yet subtle Bodhran playing of James king and the heavy relentless electric bass of James King, complimented with electric percussion. On the top line is premier fiddle player Mac Moulton who plunges from Irish set dances into the jazz style of Stephan Grappelli with surprising ease. At the centre of the band is the rather mysterious 12 string guitarist, John Fitzsimons. His playing is a startling combination of cross rhythms/ jazz chords and counter melodies that produce completely original arrangements of the songs. With a background on the London music scene he brings many diverse influences to the band. Three members of the band sing (and make strange noises), creating rich vocal patterns and harmonies.
They paly many live gigs at festivals and pubs in the UK and ireland and regularly tour Germany and Austria
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