JIGJAM – GRAND OLE OPRY DEBUT 2023
About JigJam
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 (Lead singer and guitar) and Daithi Melia (5 String Banjo and Dobro) were joined by Tipperary-born Gavin Strappe (Mandolin and Tenor Banjo) in 2016. This year they are joined by Kevin Buckley (Fiddle) to make up this iGrass (Irish Bluegrass) quartet.
Described as ‘The best Irish band in bluegrass’ and ‘sparkling, infectious’ these lads have been hailed as ‘Ireland’s answer to New Grass Revival’
Bluegrass has its roots in Irish music and Irish immigration. iGrass and JigJam is what happens when the Irish find their prodigal son.
Press
“The Best Irish Group in Bluegrass so far.”
-IRISH AMERICAN NEWS
“Here’s an Irish band that’s going to impact the world as hard as Clancy Brothers or U2 if they get only half a chance.”
-MIDWEST RECORDS
“Ireland’s Answer to New Grass Revival”
-MIDWEST RECORDS
“The words sparkling, innovative and infectious come first to mind, beyond that you get into an unadulterated display of accomplished musicianship, skill and talent’.”
-FOLKWORDS
“Absolutely Terrific!”
-PAT KENNY – NEWSTALK
“Reminiscent of The Punch Brothers”
-EUROPEAN BLUEGRASS MUSIC ASSOCIATION
“JigJam are as close to authentic as you can get without having been raised on grits and fried squirrel”
-SEÁN LAFFEY – IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE
EQUIPMENT
JigJam are lucky enough to be endorsed by a range of high-quality instrument makers and suppliers.
Here is a list of the equipment and brands whose products we are very proud to represent.
For any collaboration enquiries, please contact management: jigjamband@gmail.com
Yamaha Guitars
Jamie McKeogh plays a custom model Yamaha FG9 Acoustic Guitar. It sounds incredible both acoustically and plugged in, along with a great custom look based off Jamie’s specifications.
Deering
We love our Deering banjos and they are the best quality, American made banjos we have ever played.
https://www.deeringbanjos.com/
Fishman
We all use Fishman products and they have been helping us achieve the truest sound wherever and whenever we plug in.
Hoffee
When you travel as much as we do you need a very high quality case! When it comes to protecting our instruments on the road Hoffee cases are the best business!
http://www.carbonfibercases.com/
Porchboard
We play a Porchboard stompbox creating that ground shaking low-end beat at every live performance.
TKD
We play TKD mandolins which are made by Kyle Dunn of the Mando Shop in Tallahassee, Florida. Their high quality craftsmanship and pristine tone makes them a great addition to both the studio and live shows.
