Roots and Rock as Deans play the Loft

Blues/roots rockers The Deans play The Loft in Seven, Bridge Street on Saturday, June 13. The Deans are Gavin Dean, Gary Keon and Ronan Lally.

Now based in France, the Galway group were first spotted at the Guitare-En-Scene festival in France by the organisers of Switzerland’s Montreaux Jazz Festival and invited to perform at the 43rd anniversary of the world renowned event. Since then they have toured regularly, taking in Europe and the US on their travels.

“Roots Rock,” is the answer front man Gavin Dean gives when asked to define their musical style.

“Our influences vary greatly. We listen to a lot of folk country, soul and blues. On the way to a gig we could listen to anything from Bob Dylan to Paolo Nutini, from Bob Marley to Lonnie Donegan,” he says.

And they travel as much as possible, says drummer Gary Keon. “For what we’re doing, the market is better abroad – especially France. The audiences are really passionate, and they come out in droves. In France, you could be playing what might seem like a one-horse town, but people come out – it’s great.”

The Deans combine melodic vocal harmonies with a hard-hitting rhythm section and an occasional horn section. Well-crafted songs lead and some serious guitar playing make for memorable live shows.

■ Doors at 9pm, admission €10.