The Jigsaw Jam

There was a time The Jigsaw Jam

Angela Macari O’Looney

Dublin Folk/Trad/Country band The Jigsaw Jam have recently finished this enjoyable EP. It’s a soothing combination of styles, with well blended vocals throughout each track.

Band members are Shane Davis – Vocals/Guitar, Grainne Noone – Fiddle/ Ukelele, Caroline O’Sullivan – Piano, Brenda Weir – Vocals/ Low Whistle and Aidan Smyth-Bass/Mandolin.

With a gently trickling acoustic guitar intro, Rosalee is performed by both Brenda and Shane, with sweet harmony lending volume. It begins slow but speeds up, with piano and fiddle gradually joining to build up to a pleasant crescendo of sound! Catchy riffs and hooks are excellent on both keys and strings in this upbeat number which is truly captivating.

Rosebush is another wonderfully fast moving song. In the chorus, Brenda’s backing harmony echoes each line Shane sings. They blend their vocals for a catchy refrain. Caroline’s piano features with big chords and wonderful riffs throughout the entire song, as do Grainne’s on fiddle. There’s a hustle and bustle feel to this number and the happy reel that brings it together is so cheerful, reflecting the lyrics; I own a Rose, I own an apple tree, I own a Rose, neat trimmed when it needs to be. It addresses how when the pressure is on, there are always things you can make happen, by just doing small tasks; Don’t you hate when people criticise, when your just livin’ from one day to the next? Aidan’s bass line frames this and each track beautifully. He also features on this number playing mandolin.

Those days is a softly sung number, with superb instrumental input. Bass lends depth to the scene, and memorable riffs and hooks on fiddle and acoustic guitar add to the mood.

Bedroom Light is a fun song and is done in duet style, reminding me a little of the type of songs The Beautiful South often produced. Light female vocals are offset perfectly by the deeper male tones and with the catchy melody line, you have a delicious combination! It’s a love song, but with a humorous twist. There’s a fab choppy beat to it. Caroline’s Piano solo is very appealing and guitars and Ukulele also give it the perfect backdrop!

My favourite number on this EP has to be Winter Bones. It’s a three four country waltz, with a delightfully soothing melody line and mood. Brenda Weir features on this track both singing harmony and also on Low Whistle. Fiddle is magical, as are the trickling piano riffs. Harmony is close for the chorus, as Shane’s delivery is emotional and the romantic lyrics gently unfurl. I picture a cottage, candle light throwing flickering shapes on the window pane and when you look in, a couple are dancing. Dance with me tonight/ Flicker on, flicker on like a train at night.

The Jigsaw Jam got together in 2011, with their number gradually increasing until they found the sound they wanted. The result is refreshing and exciting. They have had great success to date with promoting their EP, having had airplay on the Ian Dempsey Breakfast show, RTE’s 2XM in colour show, and recently the band were interviewed on Radio na Life and Shannonside FM.