Johnny Walker

One stormy night, right the way back in 2009, after a generous helping of whiskey, the conversation between 2 "musicians" from Killyclogher, inevitably turned to music. In between debates over whether Bruce Springsteen was becoming a sellout and the ponderings of why people actually like that "really fucked up Jazz you'd here on an evening", these 2 inebriated gentlemen soon found something they completely agreed upon: If you are playing music and you are not enjoying it, no matter how much you may be getting paid, you have lost the point. And, if given a chance your 14 year old self would kick the shit out of you. Admittedly, both parties had somewhat strayed from the garden path, and the nostalgia for the old days when they would play to a packed, sweaty, Mollys crowd and wouldn't get a penny, soon took centre stage. Why were they 'the good old days? Getting no money and almost dying of heat exhaustion on any night? - Because they loved what they were doing. It was their passion. It was music as it should be - enjoyed. And so, after many more obstacles and delays that life threw at them, even more drunken conversations, and the addition of the frightfully talented Cara and desperately attractive Micky, finally in 2011, Johnny Walker Wisdom was born! Taking their influences from a wide range of genres and artists stretching from Chicago Blues to Southern Gospel, from Leonard Cohen to The Fleet Foxes, and from Old Time Folk to Ray Charles, the band formed their own unique sound. With the instrumentation of Piano, acoustic guitar, bass, banjo, tambourine, melodica and 3-part harmonies shared between all 4 members, the band create a live, raw and inimitable sound which has been described as “Country soul steeped in bourbon.” Having introduced their signature sound to numerous pubs and clubs across the North of Ireland and gaining an ever stronger following, Johnny Walker Wisdom are going from strength to strength. In August 2012 they videoed a live performance of their first original song - "Summer Breeze and Willow Trees". With the unprecedented positive feedback from this video, the band are writing more music with the hope of an EP of original material in 2014. With London gigs and Irish festivals in the pipeline for next year, a professional website, and always returning at holidays to play a few gigs in their hometown, the future of Johnny Walker Wisdom is bright. I'll leave you with this: I suppose you're all wondering were the name "Johnny Walker Wisdom" came from?....You dont give a shit? Im gonna tell you anyway: A lyric of a song by the immortal poet, Leonard Cohen: "Ahh we're drinking and we're dancing and the band is really happening, and the Johnny Walker Wisdom's running high" (Closing Time, Leonard Cohen) . This, in one sentence, sums up the ethos of the band: Lets have the bant! Check out the "Tour Dates" tab to see a list of our upcoming gigs. Glaaaaccckk. ................................................................... Critical Acclaim: - Rolling Stone: "The freshest, most interesting band in years". - UNCUT: "They can bottle Johnny Walker, but they cannot bottle the indescribable, unfathomable atmosphere this band create". - Ulster Herald: "Quere group! NOTE: Johnny Walker Wisdom does not endorse Johnnie Walker whiskey, and in actually fact, the band's whiskey loyalties lie with Mr Bushmills and Mr Jack Daniels.