Wanderin' Life & Times

Awesome album. Several tracks from the current roadshow including Common Man -- a huge crowd hit.

Another great collection from the best Celtic band in America, The Elders. Their sixth studio album has it all – rocking songs about today’s tough life (Building a Boat, Common Man, What a House We Could Build); haunting ballads about the tragedies of war (Orange Plank Road, Please Come Home); folk-influenced songs (Whiskey on the Fire, Wanderin’ Life and Times, Seven Years, Forever Friend); a true story about early 20th century election day violence in Kansas City (Station No. 9); and an epic tribute to the influence of Irish immigrants on American music (Appalachian Paddy). I’ve been a fan of The Elders for many years, and they just keep getting better and better. As with all of their previous studio CDs, Wanderin’ Life and Times showcases each member’s talent and love of the music. Guitarist Steve Phillips not only plays some great solos, both electric and acoustic, but also sings lead vocals on Whiskey on the Fire and Seven Years. Ian Byrne’s lead vocals are superb as always, and he even does some more traditional Irish singing on Please Come Home. Brent Hoad plays some impressive fiddle on most of the tracks, and Norm Dahlor not only plays fantastic bass, but breaks out his banjo on several tunes. Tommy Sutherland on drums and Joe Miquelon on keyboards are the backbone of the band and their contributions help The Elders stand head and shoulders above other Celtic bands. This CD is a must have. And if you haven’t seen a live show yet, my advice is to go out of your way to see one. The Elders’ shows are always fun and you can tell these guys love to perform.

If you've never had the pleasure of listening to these 6 fine Kansas City musicians, then you have been missing out! Wanderin' Life and Times, is just the latest and the greatest album by the most talented group of musicians that the Irish Rock/ Americana music scene has ever witnessed. As the title would suggest, the Lads take us Wanderin' with them through a musical journey. From influences of bluegrass to traditional Irish tunes and from the sounds of Civil War ghosts long gone to the amazing guitar work in the more modern and tragic story of Fire Station #9. The lyrics will stick with you and you'll never forget the stories. Not to mention you won't be able to keep your feet still! Prepare for some toe tappin', Arse Kickin' music straight out of the Heartland! PS: Do yourself a favor and check out their show schedule. Nothing beats a live show from these guys!

This project is an artfully crafted blend of music genres aptly named "Wanderin' Life & Times". 'Appallachain Paddy' single-handedly takes the listener on a journey along the historical pathway of traditional Irish music into bluegrass ('Wiskey on the Fire') and Americana ('Orange Plank Road'). The Elders are the best tour guides for this trip because this is their story. Intricate rhythms and tempos run throughout the album from edgy 'Station No. 9' and 'Common Man' to toe-tapping 'Building a Boat'. In true Elders fashion, 'Please Come Home' delivers beautifully layered vocal harmonies that can bring a tear to the eye. Thoughtful lyrics in 'Forever Friend' and 'What a House We Could Build' are inspiring, and 'Seven Years' plus the title track rounds out a set that can enjoyed time and again!

Great new release from a fantastic band, who's appeal extends well beyond an "Irish Band" niche. This album shows how much range these guys have, whether it's traditional storytelling, party tunes, and in this release, they show some more rock influence. The only thing better is catching them live, whether it's an intimate show at a club, or a massive festival crowd. Fantastic entertainers. Keep up the great work!!!

Another stellar CD from The Elders. This CD is uniquely different from what they've done before, and yet still very much an Elders CD. Several tracks have a strong traditional sound, and very well done, but the band also haven't forgotten how to rock. With this CD the Elders do a great job of showcasing their own brand of Celtic music. I fear if I try to list stand out songs I'll need to list all of them; still, one song does manage to stand out for me, even as strong as the album is. "Please Come Home" alternates instrumental sections with harmony vocals sections. Lead Vocalist Ian Byrne is at his best on this song; a strong lead vocal peformance and gorgeous well blended harmonies, both at once. Wanderin' Life and Times is a wonderful album that I like better and better the more I listen to it.

This album is INCREDIBLE!!!! Very much worth the wait! Thank you, Elders for delighting us with your newest diddies and for taking me from humble boat-builders of Ireland's shores to the old Civil War battlefields of America! You make my Irish eyes smile!!!! ^_^

I love the new album from The Elders. Every song is a story - the lyrics are vivid, and the music is especially driving and complex, with complicated beats and melodies, and beautiful harmonies. A great addition to The Elders catalog!

Another great Cd by the best Celtic rock group around! Each CD just keeps getting better and better!

This is the latest studio CD from this celtic-rock powerhouse fronted by Ian Byrne, a Kansas City resident and native of County Wicklow, Ireland. The rest of the band members are Steve Phillips, guitar & mandolin; Brent Hoad on fiddle & mandolin; Norm Dahlor on bass & banjo; Tommy Sutherland – drums & percussion, and Joe Miquelon on keys, accordion & organ. Their stellar songwriting and musicianship is once again showcased in this new release. My first off hit on the initial listen was the title track, Wanderin’ Life and Times, catchy rhythm and melody, a good story, and an easy to remember and sing-a-long-to chorus. I immediately hit the back button, and listened to it again. Please Come Home is an anthem to the brave men and women serving in the military forces, and is sure to be a massive crowd pleaser. With haunting whistle at the start and amazing harmonies by the lads throughout, this new tune is going to bring tears to the eyes of many audiences as those who serve are honored and remembered. Appalachian Paddy is a treat for the listener, the longest track on the CD at 7m 40s, it tells the story of Dinny and his fiddle, his emigration to America and witnesses the transformation of traditional irish music into the hill music of the Appalachian mountains. More history is served in Orange Plank Road (battle of the wilderness), the story of this civil war battle is told in this song, the music is old-timey, and is simple yet memorable. The lyrics once again shine through in this retelling of a true story – something The Elders are known for doing. You’ll be rocking out and singing along to Building a Boat, Seven Years and Whiskey on the Fire, all wonderful foot tapping tunes. Station #9 the loudest, fastest, rockingest track on the CD is massive in its sound, tempo and arrangement. The more you hear it, the more you love it! The story of our times is told in Common Man, the working man providing for his family, working his fingers to the bone. The theme of the times is continued in Forever Friend, and What a House – what a world we could have if we all worked together instead of against each other (hear me, Congress?). As always with The Elders, every single track is excellent; well written, performed and produced. This is a must have CD for your collection!