Combining bagpipes and rock music has been Lenahan’s style since they began playing almost a decade ago. Formerly known as The Clan, the band changed its name to Lenahan in 1994. With a new name, they released three critically acclaimed albums on Clandestine Celtic Records, which have sold thousands of copies nationally.
Led by lead singer and musical director Tom Lenahan, the group focuses playing songs with musical roots, blues influences and rock Celtic fusion. They have been called one of the "top Celtic folk-rock bands in the world" by the Irish press, and on Aug. 7 they will return to the mile-square city for a performance at Sinatra Park as part of the city’s "Concerts in the Park" series. The band has performed in Hoboken several times in recent years. We recently caught up with Lenahan.
EM – Where are you from?
TL – I was born in Chicago at a very young age. After many wacky misadventures I moved to Jersey City in 1982 and have been in Hudson County ever since.
EM – Who are your influences?
TL – Among my many influences I would have to list Los Lobos, Fairport Convention, Lennon and McCartney, Jagger and Richards, Hanna and Barbera, Sam and Dave, Ren and Stimpy, Kramden and Norton, Richard Thompson, Chess Records, Elvis Costello, Waylon Jennings, Ray Davies, Randy Newman, Fats Waller, Bob Marley, John Coltrane, Mark Twain, Lenny Bruce, the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem, Captain Beefheart, Robert Johnson, the Meters, the Who…these are just the people that I took a lot from.
EM – Why did you become a musician?
TL – I really don’t have a good excuse. Beats working.
EM – Where have you performed?
TL – Ah, yes, it’s been a long, strange trip. I’ve played in most of the major cities west of the Mississippi and plenty of the others, too.
EM – What is your favorite day of the week?
TL – Payday.
EM – What are the last three CDs you bought?
TL – Johnny Cash, Live at Folsom Prison; Mamadou Diabate, Tonga; Nick Lowe, Basher.
EM – How would you describe your music?
TL – An unholy alliance between Celtic themes and melodies and American sounds and rhythm arrangements. But anything’s fair game, really.
EM – Are you looking for mainstream exposure?
TL – Why, sure. For example, I’ve got a feeling that this reggae bagpipe thing is really ready to take off in a big way.
EM – What professional plans do you have for the future?
TL – Making a living; new right rear tire on van; staying out of jail.
EM – What is the best part about your job?
TL – A lady in Rhode Island sends me free baked goods quite often.
Lenahan will perform at Sinatra Park in Hoboken on Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. For information call (201) 420-2207 or visit www.celtic-rock.com. q