All Words: Erin Hunter (submitted to tips@brightestyoungthings.com)
In a time of globalization, economic uncertainty, futuristic technology and war; one band takes it all back to a simpler time. TURFdc are an exciting new collaboration between three musicians from Northern Ireland and two classically trained Washington DC residents. Playing a blend of acoustic rock and roll, blues, bluegrass, Celtic and country music TURFdc transport their audience to a relaxing night of “good friends and good times.” Their music is a solid blend of story like lyrics and intricate instrumentals. Focusing on harmonics, rhythm and simple melodies the band’s sound is versatile and multi-faceted. With musicians switching instruments with ease as each song demands (including violin, banjo, stand up bass and slide guitar) TURFdc ensure that each song set has a new vitality without losing the sing along aspect. On a surface level the music is fun and charming reflecting the charismatic musicians in the band but the true charm is when you look deeper and understand what lies behind the music.
The band began when D Collins a 29 year old songwriter from Derry in Northern Ireland met a 27 year old musician from Hollywood, near Belfast in Northern Ireland. For years Northern Ireland was a hotbed of violence between Protestant loyalists and Catholic rebels. Derry, the location of such historic events as Bloody Sunday, still bares the scares of years of war. Belfast, the name alone recalls images of news clips and police controlled riots. To us the years of strife in these areas is unimaginable. To D and Cali, this is just local happenings poorly written about in the daily news. Cali and D met here in DC after each had decided to leave their home country to chase the American Dream in music. The two immediately became inseparable best friends. This is a seemingly amazing feet for you see one is a Protestant and the other a Catholic. The two explain that Ireland is changing, people one both sides are just tired of fighting, tired of loss, tired of all the bullshit. They just want to build happy lives and not live in the past. For these young musicians the spotted past is not an issue, its an advantage. It gives them perspective and life experience beyond their years. Moreover it gives them a mission. They want to show everyone that no matter what the trouble is you can get past it. You can build a good life and there is always fun to be had, you just have to be willing to grab a pint and enjoy the ride.
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D and Cali both feel a strong emotional outlet in their music. Driven by their friendship and love of old singer/songwriters the two began writing songs and gigging the local open mike circuit. They recruited multi instrumentalist Bernard Turley from co. down in Northern Ireland, and local violinist Meghan Jost. Another local musician Mike Scoglio completed the line up and Turfdc was born! Their lyrics address personal battles with depression, family and isolation. As immigrants these issues are magnified daily in the boys but their soulful versus and easily joined choruses translate into every listeners life. D and Cali paint with their lyrics. They paint memories of growing up and getting in trouble with your friends, of having a few drinks and your first girl. They pull you through emotion ranging from anxiety to love to party like excitement. All the while they keep it simple, keep it light, keep it fun. |
TURFdc is now venturing out of playing smaller venues and the Irish bars and breaking into more varied audiences and venues. Their upcoming dates include June 22 at Solly’s Tavern on U st and Asylum bar and lounge in Adams Morgan. For more information on the band go to www.myspace.com/turfband
The line up:
D Collins, Vocals, D has a raspy, melodic voice which has drawn comparisons with a young Tom Waits. A graduate in English literature from Queens university of Belfast. d has been writing songs for 15 years. His scathing, heartfelt lyrics are an important weapon in the turf arsenal
Caolaidhe Davis (Cali), guitar vocals, co-founder of the band along with D, Caolaidhe’s high clear voice and energetic guitar playing are an integral part of the turfdc sound. A soulful, natural songwriter and story teller, Caolaidhe can win over any crowd with his infectious enthusiasm and innate storytelling ability.
| Bernard Turley, Guitar, Slide Guitar, Banjo, harmonica, vocals. Jack of all trades and master of them all Bernard adds textures, rhythm and flair to the turf sound. An innovative arranger and talented song writer, Bernard’s grumpy demeanor belies a keen mind and instinctive musicality that boost immeasurably the unique turf dc sound.
Meghan Jost, violin mandolin, vocals A music graduate of catholic university in dc, Meghans’ occasionally searing, sometimes melancholy always heartfelt violin playing add immeasurably to the bands sound. Her imaginative solos and level head are invaluable to the band. Mike Scoglio, Bass, hand drums, vocals |
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