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Formed in early 1993 Gor Jus Wrex in its various line-ups have been playing a vibrant blend of Irish traditional music and original songs over the past decade.
The ever constants in the sound have been John Donegan’s rhythmic backings on bouzouki behind the key leading instruments, fiddle, accordion, pipes, flute or banjo, and singer songwriter Brian Burke’s ballads including the Band Anthem ‘Where Are You Now Sally Dillon’.
There have been many highs and a few lows over the years – recording with EMI followed by two fine original CDs. Appearances at Cambridge Folk Festival and other major venues, and the joy of playing with a collection of gifted musicians.
The earliest lineup featured Burke and Donegan along with Rob Sinclair on tenor banjo. They were joined by All-Ireland fiddle champion Julianne Healy. When Julianne left in 1995 the band decided to bulk up their sound with Indie – Band bass player John Spinks, Roz Orwin, a classically trained fiddler, and Gemma Brosnan then a tender 14 years old on accordion and concertina.
After EMI’s ‘Father Liam’s Irish Mist’ (their idea!) – Kerrie Herrity on fiddle and banjo joined the lineup – and later became All-Ireland Banjo Champion in 2000.
Ironically for an Irish band – emigration then struck – though this time from England! – Rob to America and Kerrie and Gemma to Ireland – Roz also decided to pursue other paths.
However the proverbial phoenix arose with All-Ireland Comhaltas Star Eugene Tievan on accordion, and Kerrie’s talented younger brother Richard on pipes added to the Wrexites. They were later joined by flute and tin whistle player Kevin Naughton, rhythm guitarist Tim Jellis, and our fourth fiddle player Jessica Hughes completed the lineup for 2001–02.
Things have since moved on and the band’s present regular line-up now consists of Brian Burke (bouzouki, guitar, harmonica and vocals), Richard Herrity (Uillean pipes and bodhran), Kevin Naughton (flute and tin whistle) and Caroline Sullivan (piano accordion) with Johnny Spinks (bass). We also have guesting fiddle players while a regular player is sought.
The Band play weddings, wakes, parties, or just plain pub gigs and are never happier than when playing in Molly Malone’s pub in Hitchin, Herts.
One thing is for sure that with Gor Jus Wrex there will be good fun, great music and a real gig to remember.
