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After performing in Boston, The High Kings signed memorabilia for concertgoers in the Colonial Theater lobby. Pictured are Martin Furey and Finbarr Clancy.
Fresh from a premiering North American tour, vocalist Brian Dunphy, member of the debuting High Kings spoke by phone from County Meath of his musical beginnings and the band’s birth while feeding his infant son ice cream. Musical director, arranger and composer David Downes, of Celtic Woman fame created the High Kings. Music rages in the blood of the talented new Celtic band. The Irish quartet features Finbarr Clancy (Co. Tipperary) son and nephew of the legendary Clancy Brothers; Martin Furey (Co. Waterford), son of folk singer Finbar Furey; Darren Holden (Co. Kilkenny), who starred on Broadway in the Tony award-winning “Movin’ Out” and Dubliner and “Riverdance” veteran Brian Dunphy. “There’s four of us guys but we’ve known each other well over a decade,” began Dunphy. Like his band mates, Dunphy grew up in a home rife with music making. “I grew up with music in the family,” he said. “We’d have gatherings, musical nights with my uncle on guitar. There would be a banjo, hand drums, whistles and Dickie Rock or Joe Dolan would come over. It was a big deal and everyone would take turns singing a song. The first song I remember singing was ‘Do You Want Your Old Lobby Washed Down.’” By the age of 11, Dunphy strummed guitar to everything from the Rolling Stones and the Beatles to James Taylor. “In fairness I was bad in school and thought maybe music was something I could do,” said Dunphy, laughing. As the son of cabaret singer and Hoedowner showman Sean Dunphy, a young Dunphy traveled Ireland watching his dad sing. As Dunphy grew older, he shared the stage with his father. “My dad is an incredible singer, to this day,” said Dunphy. 
The High Kings toured North America in Fall 2008. From left to right are Brian Dunphy, Finbarr Clancy, Martin Furey and Darren Holden. (Aileen McElroy)
After turning 18, Dunphy embarked on a solo career involving television slots on RTE Ireland and BBC England and overseas gigs at the Gershwin Theatre and Radio City Music Hall. The senior Dunphy cautioned his young son of showbiz’s perils while his mother nudged Dunphy to wager his talent on stage. “With 50 years in the music industry, my father knew how hard the business was but my mom pushed me towards auditioning,” Dunphy said. His mother recently attended a High Kings concert in Dublin. “She absolutely loves the show,” Dunphy said. “It was great to see her in the front row of the Dublin show.” Flanked by a live orchestra including a ukulele and bagpipes the High Kings weave an eclectic tapestry of tunes. The repertoire ranges from bittersweet ballads of emigration from shamrock shores and a rollicking ditty of a beguiling lass with black roguish eyes to sean nós tunes and old time favorites — “Whiskey in the Jar”. “David Downes has handpicked songs that have gone down through families and generations,” said Dunphy. “Everyone knows the songs.” The time-treasured songbook includes a romping “Marie’s Wedding” and an earnest “Will Ye Go Lassie, Go”. “I remember singing ‘Go Lassie Go’ in grade school.” said Dunphy. “My dad’s advice was ‘never do songs the people don’t know.’ You don’t want to educate them. You just want to sing the songs.” The High Kings are prone to singing a set that tributes Ireland’s long-time musical dynasty, the Clancy Brothers. Donning trademark, Irish-knit sweaters, the band’s apt to launch a stirring sing-a-long that includes “Holy Ground” and end shows as the famed folk band did years ago with a rousing “Parting Glass”. “Parting Glass has to be the most beautiful song there is,” Dunphy marveled. “The words are incredible, ‘I should bow to you...’ The High Kings version of the ancient melody includes a live bagpipe solo midway through the aged melody. “The bagpipes are so heartfelt,” added Dunphy. The show is not complete without “Fields of Glory” an athletic ballad that Dunphy calls an ode to all “sportsmen and sportswomen.” Last fall High Kings performed Fields of Glory to 82,000 hurling fans in Ireland’s largest stadium Croke Park. “It was a huge honour walking onto the field during the hurling final,” said Dunphy, whose great-grandfather formerly trod the field as a GAA referee in 1910. “To sing in front of the people was fantastic.” Named after the legendary and mythical ancient Celtic rulers of Ireland, the High Kings welcome the audience to accompany the band in sing-a-long. “The fifth high king is our audience,” Dunphy explained. Thus far, the High Kings have garnered high praise in Ireland with their collection of traditional hits. “It’s unbelievable. The standing ovations have taken all of us be surprise,” Dunphy said. “I hope that in America we’re a link to those faraway from home” While touring the states, Dunphy enjoyed a bit of down time in New Orleans and Boston. “We had two and a half days in Boston and it was brilliant,” he said. While in Beantown, Dunphy “spent money” on bustling Newbury Street, circled Fenway Park’s Green Monster and ate “lovely food, roast turkey and clam chowder” at Quincy Market. Dunphy fondly remembers entertaining the people of Houston while Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc on the Texan city. With winds topping 145 mph and shattering skyscraper windows, fans questioned whether the show would go on. “We said, the show must go on and we met a lot of people before the show. If we can give people joy for one night, change lives for a few hours we’ve done our jobs,” said Dunphy. For more information on the High Kings visit highkings.com. You Tube Videos The High Kings, Rocky Road to Dublin |
