The Rye River Band are a 5-piece live and recording band from Ireland.

Formed originally in Leixlip Co. Kildare in 1989, by Pat Burgess, Pat MacSweeney and Paddy Faughnan, the band play a mix of American Country, Folk and Blues music with their own unique sound signature. The set also features original numbers composed by the band.

The mix of predominantly electric guitar and fiddle provide a sound that travels across the American Roots spectrum. You will be regaled with Old time country folk ballads all the way to “high charged” Rhythm and Blues.
They have performed live at Festivals throughout Ireland - Westport Folk and Bluegrass Festival,Bluegrass and Nashville Dunfanaghy, 53 Degrees North Festival, Kilkenny Roots, Clifden Arts Week, Dublin Docklands, Dunmore East Bluegrass, Leixlip Salmon, Tullamore Phoenix and toured England and Scotland.
They have a long established residency in the Brazen Head Pub, Dublin on Saturday nights that draws big crowds of music lovers into this small intimate venue.

In the late eighty’s they performed with the Rolling Stones.

The band have released the following recordings:
The Wonderful Barn CD EP in 1998. A 4 track containing 4 original songs.
 

Music from Big Meadow CD album 2006. Recorded in Clonmore House Co. Kilkenny. 18 tracks of Americana.

The band released their third recording a live album "Live @ the Brazen Head Dublin" in January 2015. An album of 14 live numbers featuring original material.

In February 2016, the band recorded and released a new original charity single called "That Girl of Mine" co-written by Pat Burgess and Patsy Tracey. All the proceeds have gone to Dublin Simon Community.

In summer 2017, the band released a new studio single called “Hey Anna”, again penned by Tracey and Burgess.

Current Line-up:
Pat Burgess: Lead vocals, Acoustic guitar, Mandolin
Patsy Tracey: Lead Electric guitars
Don Knox: Fiddle, Harmonica, Vocals
Eugene Burns: Drums
Ciarán Brougham: Bass guitar,Vocal

Media Credits

The Rye River Band are probably the original Irish Americana band. Their music is everything you would expect from musicians dedicated to the genre. The Rye River Band have developed a pure, roots sound that you can’t help but get hooked on. The live album is full of energy and brings home how powerful and affecting this music can be when played live.

By Eirecana   (August 2017)

https://www.puremzine.com/rye-river-band-hey-anna/

Pure M Magazine (November 2017) – Hey Anna Single Review

There are few bands that rise above the ordinary and deliver Americana straight, Niall Toner, the Four Star Trio, and Frankie Lane all names to conjure with. You can pencil in Rye River Band alongside your Fleadh Cowboys from now on. The evidence is plain to hear in this meticulously produced album of 18 tracks of folk songs, American style.

Irish Music Magazine (January 2006)

The Rye River Band - a fine country band that offers a credible Cajun twist to their sturdy renditions of Steve Earle, John Prine, and J.J. Cale songs.

Tony Clayton-Lea Irish Times (September 1996)

By complete contrast, I also paid a visit of late to The Brazen Head, after what must have been a gap of 30 years, during which nothing much had changed.

It still claimed to be Dublin’s oldest pub. Or as the website puts it: “Established in 1198, our gastrobar has been thoughtfully refurbished to retain the original features that tell the story of our deep history”.

Yes, reader, I too was surprised to learn that Dublin had gastrobars in 1198. But I suppose there were a lot of new tourists in town then too.

Anyway, on my latest visit, it had live music by a five-piece Americana outfit called the Rye River Band. And although there was no cover charge – whatever modest fee the musicians got was from bar takings – they were brilliant. The joint was jumping by the end.

Afterwards I stupidly asked the band if they played there often. “Every fortnight for the last 30 years,” I was told, confirming the length of my absence. This is another way in which, even when not changing identities, Dublin pubs can make you feel old. The Rye River Band are back this coming Saturday night. If you’re anywhere near the Brazen Head, go.

Frank McNally, “The Irishman’s Diary, Irish Times    January 2024

 
Among the other many members (M) and guests (G) who have played over the early years with the band were - Just click here