John Byrne

The John Byrne Band is led by Dublin native and Philadelphia-based John Byrne. Their debut album, After the Wake, was released to critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic in 2011. With influences ranging from Tom Waits to Planxty, John’s songwriting honors and expands upon the musical and lyrical traditions of his native and adopted homes. John and the band followed up After the Wake in early 2013 with an album of Celtic and American traditional tunes. The album, Celtic/Folk, pushed the band on to the FolkDJ Charts, reaching number 36 in May 2015. Their third release, another collection of John Byrne originals, entitled “The Immigrant and the Orphan”, was released in Sept 2015. The album, once again, draws heavily on John’s love of Americana and Celtic Folk music and with the support of DJs around the country entered the FolkDJ Charts at number 40.

What the Critics are Saying the Immigrant and the Orphan

“..a powerful, deeply moving work that will stay with you long after you have heard it” Michael Tearson-Sing Out

“The Vibe of it (The Immigrant and the Orphan) is, at once, as rough as rock and as elegant as a calm ocean..each song on this album carries an honesty, integrity and quiet passion that will draw you into its world for years to come” Terry Roland – No Depression

“If any element of Celtic, Americana or Indie-Folk is your thing, then this album (The Immigrant and the Orphan) is an absolute yes” Beehive Candy

“It’s a gorgeous, nostalgic record filled with themes of loss, hope, history and lost loves; everything that tugs at your soul and spills your blood and guts…The Immigrant and the Orphan scorches the earth and emerges tough as nails” Jane Roser – That Music Mag

“Up and coming Trad star hits the sweet spot… beautifully played… its Byrne’s natural vocal delivery that makes the album stand out from the crowd” Hot Press (Ireland)

“John Byrne’s After The Wake is the sort of album that an artist spends their entire career trying to create…. nothing short of a brilliant collection” – Wildy’s World

“One of the few musical artists today who truly manage to be traditional and modern at the same time.” Philadelphia Inquirer

“He’s good, period, with material that’s edgy yet accessible in a Luka Bloom meets Bob Dylan kind of way.” Philadelphia Daily News

“After the Wake is the perfect combination of Celtic and American folk music.” Record-Journal Newspaper

“Amazing tales of life and semi-autobiographical tunes… You’ll want to listen over and over again.” Reviewer Magazine“

Byrne’s songs are rich with the sounds and themes of Irish tradition, one that survives in a modern world… full of “raw strength”… an impressive work throughout… puts me in mind of an Irish Alejandro Escavedo” Sing Out Magazine

For “fans of Celtic music, Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, Lucinda Williams and other such lyrically expansive folks.”  Sun Herald

The album was released to a sold-out crowd at the storied World Café Live in Philadelphia and 2 weeks later to a sold-out crowd at the Mercantile in Dublin, Ireland. John has toured with or opened up for acts as diverse as The Hothouse Flowers, Ian Gillan (of Deep Purple), Patti Smyth, Gaelic Storm, Murder by Death, Finbar Furey, Luka Bloom, The Saw Doctors, The Screaming Orphans, Solas, Sharon Shannon, The Young Dubliners and The Greencards. In Fall, 2012, John and the Band performed with The Irish Tenors for the Liberty Medal Presentation at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia before President Bill Clinton and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

John and the band tour the country as an acoustic 4-piece featuring banjo/accordion, fiddle/cello, guitars and bodhran, and as a 6-7 piece that adds drums, bass and horns to its lineup.

2014/15 saw the band performing at Festivals such as the Valley Forge Mid-Winter Fest, The Philadelphia Fleadh, MusikFest (Bethlehem), the Philadelphia Folk Fest, Gorgas Park, Pastorius Park, FreedomFest(NJ), Saltwater Celtic Fest (Maine), The Celtic Classic (PA)and many others.
For up to date info and dates, go to www.johnbyrneband.com

Email info@johnbyrneband.com or JByrneMusic@gmail.com

Or Call (267)608-6371