Across the Pond is due on March 1st
Irish bluegrass band JigJam has announced their new album Across The Pond, set to be released on Friday, March 1st. The 12-track collection will showcase the band’s blend of traditional Irish music meets bluegrass meets Americana, delivering a cohesive narrative of the Irish journey to America.
In conjunction with the album launch, JigJam will also kick off their Across The Pond US Tour on March 1st, as they make 18 stops throughout the US.
“Across The Pond means so much to us personally, and we can’t wait to share it with all of you,” states Jamie McKeogh, lead vocalist and guitarist. “The theme throughout is about Irish people and their journey settling in America, bringing their music and traditions with them. Our Irish roots are deeply reflected in the album, and so is our American influence. You’ll be able to hear both styles throughout the lyrics and the melodies.”
Fans can get a preview of what to expect from the album with the new single “John D. McGurks (The Heartbeat of St. Louis),” available now. The song is an homage to the famous St. Louis bar known for live music and Irish musicians.
When virtuoso Irish playing jumps the pond running naked through the wide-open fields of bluegrass/Americana, JigJam is born. Bluegrass and American folk music originated from the group’s home, and now JigJam is here to take it back! JigJam made its Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville in March 2023 to critical acclaim receiving a standing ovation from a sold-out crowd on country music’s biggest stage. The group was joined on the night by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Steve Earle, Lauren Alaina, and many more.
This Offaly and Tipperary-born band has started the first wave of attack in the new Irish invasion of Americana. “Foot stomping, high energy” badassery is what you’re in for when you see this musical powerhouse live in concert. Founding members from Offaly — Jamie McKeogh (guitars & vocals) and Daithi Melia (5-string banjo & dobro) — were joined by Tipperary-born Gavin Strappe on mandolin and tenor banjo in 2016. This year they are joined by Kevin Buckley on fiddle to make up this iGrass (Irish Bluegrass) quartet. iGrass and JigJam is what happens when the Irish find their prodigal son.
1. Good Ole Mountain Dew
2. John D. McGurk’s (The Heartbeat of St. Louis)
3. Bouli Bouli
4. City of Chicago (feat Becky Buller)
5. Take Me High
6. Across The Pond
7. Water’s Hill
8. Cluck Ole Twig
9. This Heart of Mine
10. The Robin
11. The Appalachian Irishman
12. Time to Go Home
JigJam 2024 Across The Pond US Tour Dates:
Mar 1 – Minneapolis, MN @ Pantages Theater
Mar 2 – Green Lake, WI @ Thrasher Opera House
Mar 3 – Madison, WI @ Bluegrass Brunch
Mar 8-10 – Tulsa, OK @ Tulsa Irish Festival 2024
Mar 12 – Saugerties, NY @ The Local Center for Arts and Culture
Mar 13 – Old Saybrook, CT @ Katharine Hepburn Cultural
Mar 14 – Derry, NH @ Stockbridge Theater
Mar 15 – Kennett Square, PA @ Longwood Gardens
Mar 16 – Port Washington, NY @ Landmark on Main Street
Mar 17 – Northampton, MA @ Bombyx
Mar 19 – Piermont, NY @ Turning Point
Mar 20 – Somerville, MA @ The Burren
Mar 21 – New York City @ Symphony Space
Mar 22 – Lancaster, PA @ Zoetropolis
Mar 23 – Pittsburgh, PA @ City Winery
Mar 24 – Peninsula, OH @ The G.A.R. Hall
Mar 25 – Bishop Hill, IL @ Bishop Hill Creative Commons
Mar 29 – St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
