Spirits of the House
Jackson, MS
Since 1998 Spirits has traveled the South, playing festivals and pubs from Memphis to New Orleans, Atlanta to Dallas; winning an enthusiastic following wherever they go. The current iteration of the band showcases the seldom heard pairing of banjo and flute. Now in their eighth year of playing together, Rick Gagne (tenor banjo, bouzouki) and Charles Bishop (flute, whistles) have accommodated the seemingly disparate strengths of the others’ instrument. Indeed, gifted flute player Daniel Lowery (Young Wolfe Tones) and former band mate of Charles (Idle Road) recently commented on his style of playing. “It’s obvious you play a lot with a banjo!’ Each has deep roots in traditional music. A native New Englander, Rick was catalytic in establishing a traditional music scene in Bloomington, Indiana while pursuing a PhD in Folklore. Charles, a cofounder of Last Night’s Fun, Idle Road and Spirits, greatly developed his playing while living in Ireland. Inspired by the likes of guitarists Daithi Sproule and Ged Foley, Steve Whitlow (songs, guitar) was founder of the area’s first traditional band, Gramarye. He’s been playing and singing the old songs of Ireland and Scotland for over twenty-five years. Whether it’s toe-tapping, irresistible dance music or songs that tug at the heart strings, Spirits is sure to keep you coming back for more.