Black Bank Folk offer uniquely personal take on 1916

Black Bank Folk, who recently released the 1916 concept album, Rising, play Monroe’s Live on Friday next, May 20.

Rising is the brainchild of founding members John Colbert and James Sheeran. Colbert wanted to explore the story of his granduncle Con Colbert’s who was one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising and so the project began.

Black Bank Folk aim to tell stories through music, and the album aims to highlight some of the lesser known stories of 1916.  Staying away from overtly political themes, the band have attempted to give a more human account of what happened in and around the Rebellion.

The song Brother tells the story of how Willie Pearse idolised his older brother. During Easter week 1916, Willie never left Pádraig’s side in the GPO and although there have been claims that the younger Pearse never held a gun, he was sentenced to death because of his relationship with Pádraig.

The brilliant Damien Dempsey makes an appearance on Rising, with a song he wrote for the album, called Aunt Jennie. Dempsey’s song is a tribute to his great-grandaunt Jane (Jennie) after he discovered that she had taken part in the Easter Rising.

The album also includes guest vocals from Paddy Casey, Grace O’Malley and Jem Mitchell.

This unusual project promises to be a live show to remember and something that might not come around again.

■ Doors 9pm, tickets €15/€12..