by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
Aye, an imperial pint of Guinness at Culhane’s beckoned me on a cool Saturday night. So, I blitzed out to this bastion of Irish culture, run by the stylish and vivacious Culhane sisters, to catch Jamski Luv. This Celtic rock band is an amalgamation of members of Jamski Luv, Rathkeltair, and Seven Nations. It was formed by Jeremy Hagen as an add-on jam band.
As Jamski Luv got ready to play, a procession of add-on musicians filed into the club. Among the throng crammed on-stage, I spotted my pal Trevor Tanner on guitar from Seven Nations and Rathkeltair. The Jamski Luv core players include Jeremy Hagen on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Trevor Tanner on lead guitar, Jamie on bagpipes, Victor on electric violin, and Stuby (from Seven Nations) on bass.
Finally, the Jamski lads cranked up the band with Victor’s stellar fiddle playing prominent in the mix. Also, Jamie was smoking on bagpipes, which gives the group the authentic Celtic sound so loved by people in Irish pubs. Jamski Luv’s founder, Jeremy Hagen is dedicated to his music career. Jeremy also plays with a band called Afterglow Radio which just released its first CD. As well as teaching guitar, Jeremy is also involved with Seven Nations. Between these three projects, Jeremy stays completely immersed in music full time.
The last time I saw Trevor Tanner he was playing with Rathkeltair, an acclaimed Celtic rock band. Trevor comes from London, England, where he played with the legendary Bolshoi band in the 1980s. Since then, Trevor has emerged as an important songwriter and performer who is always in demand for his songwriting and guitar wizardry.
Victor’s fiddle playing was especially hot during the band’s first set as the Celtic army on stage established a power groove. Jeremy’s original songs are hook-heavy and lyrically interesting. Despite the impromptu nature of this jam band, it sounded tight. Jeremy’s vocals were well mixed and coming through loud and clear.
The main force behind Jamski Luv is, of course, Jeremy’s voice and songwriting, which is acoustically-based with fresh song ideas applied to the traditional Celtic sound. He has a degree in Guitar Performance and his influences are eclectic, ranging from Metallica to Van Halen, which led to an interest in Jimmy Page, Pink Floyd, The Black Crowes, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robert Johnson and The Beatles. His more modern influences include Muse, 30 Seconds to Mars, and Incubus.
The star power alone sets Jamski Luv apart from the other Celtic rock bands. Having bagpipes and fiddle adds the authenticity and Jamie is one of the best pipes players in the region. With the Irish pub scene exploding, there is always room for one more top notch Celtic band.
Culhane’s is the classiest of all the Irish pubs in the region, with great food and fast service. Sometimes, I feel the need to don a kilt and celebrate my Scottish roots by having a Guinness and uttering “aye” ad nauseaum. Well, I have yet to work up the courage to don the kilt, but maybe someday. Meanwhile, there are excellent Celtic bands working the area and Jamksi Luv is one of the best.
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