Seamus McCarthy Band at JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe

The Seamus McCarthy Band is a three-piece combo that features strong and melodic lead vocals and rhythm guitar by Seamus McCarthy, whose voice ranges from the tenor highs of Don McLean to the sonorous low notes of country singers like George Strait. Nicely layered into the mix is a peppy and solid bass line and backup vocals by Jimmy McCarthy, with sweetly haunting fiddle-playing and vocal harmonies by Dave Buescher.

Interestingly, there's no lead guitar here. That role is supplied by the fiddle, which serves as the "Greek chorus" or other-storyteller counterpoint to Seamus's rich narrative vocal lines.



The set lists incorporate traditional country favorites from legends like Johnny Cash, to foot stomping Irish tunes, and songs popular with Millenials. "Down with the Shine", penned by the Avett Brothers, was a particular stunner at the Seamus McCarthy Band gig last night at JR's Old Packinghouse Cafe.

There's an upbeat energy to this band, particularly on display when they line up for three-part harmonies. Worth checking out the next time you see them scheduled to play in the Sarasota live music scene.