BEST BET: THE ELDERS
By Barry Gilbert
St.
Louis Post-Dispatch
January 11, 2007
9 p.m. Jan. 12-13, 2007, at the Dubliner, 1025 Washington Avenue. $10. 314-421-4300 or www.dublinerstl.com.
For many people, the words "Celtic band" probably conjure up either a sedate group in cable sweaters or punksters such as the Pogues. That makes Kansas City's Elders the perfect Irish band for a wide range of tastes, a six-man group that melds the energy of rock with respect for Irish musical traditions. Less than a decade and six CDs into their career, the Elders are forty- and fiftysomethings who bring a wealth of experience and influences to the stage. Guitarist Steve Phillips played with Bob Walkenhorst in KC's great Rainmakers; sax player Joe Miquelon has backed up the Temptations, Four Tops and Spinners; drummer Tommy Sutherland has played everything from jazz to country; and lead singer and percussionist Ian Byrne was born and reared in Ireland, giving the band that authentic sound. "Racing the Tide" is its new CD, and it contains a baker's dozen of band-written story songs that exude a positive vibe while rocking to the sound of piples, horns, accordions and mandolins. Could two nights at the Dubliner be too much of a good thing? Nah.