Artist description A quartet playing original and traditional Irish folk music. The CD "From Ireland & Elsewhere" also features their friends Wendy Fuhr (violin), Cheryl Prashker (percussion), and Manny Krevat (bass).

Music Style Irish Folk

Musical Influences Christy Moore, Oyster Band, Clancy Bros.

Similar Artists Clancy Bros., Christy Moore

Artist History Brian Donnelly and Jack Bartley have performed in pubs and at festivals throughout the Philadelphia area and in Ireland over the last 20 years. Brian is responsible for most of the vocals. He also plays tin whistle, harmonica, and, when necessary, can put a mean hammer lock on a button accordion. Jack plays 6 and 12 string guitars, 6 string banjo, and manages to throttle a few songs on his own. Susan Bartley aadds a touch of decorum by smoothing out the mix via viola. The recent addition of Vince Brennan, a long time staple (and paper clip)of the Philadelphia folk scene on mandolin, guitar and vocals has increased the size of the band by 25%, if not the quality. For performances of a more formal nature, such as festivals and concerts, Wendy Fuhr and Cheryl Prashker frequently join the core band to enhance the music with fiddle and percussion.So's Your Mom is known for their renditions of traditional, contemporary and original Irish folk songs. The subjects of these songs touch on humor, social commentary, the problems of aging and the workplace, and (of course) drinking. They have appeared numerous times on the Gene Shay folk program (WXPN Phila.) and at the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Their first CD, "From Ireland & Elsewhere" was released in 1999.

Group Members Brian Donnelly - vocals, tin whistle, button accordionJack Bartley - vocals, guitars, banjoSusan Bartley - violaVince Brennan - mandolin, vocals

Albums From Ireland & Elsewhere

Press Reviews From: TUNE UP - the newsletter of the Philadelphia Folksong SocietyViews and Reviews - Mike Miller, June 1999I have waited for years for a recording of So's your Mom, Delaware Valley's grandest duet (ed. note - we got bigger), and here it is, here they are, none the worse for the wait. The sound of the Friday Afternoon Concert at (Philadelphia Folk)Festival, the all night sessions at the gazebo at the Spring Thing and Fall Fling, the music that has filled more Irish bars than you can shake a mick in, it's all in this sweet collection, "From ireland & Elsewhere." Jack bartley is the guitarist/writer of the pair and provides them with what musicianship and dignity they can muster (ed. note - okay, so we have fun). He is sensitive and creative and sings his own songs very well.Brian Donnelly adds penny whistle and he sings lead on the traditional songs and the covers. His performance is the most moving I've heard for years. He combines a bass-baritone that Gordon Bok might envy wit a storyteller's use of lyrics. For pure talent, he is the best we have.I recommend this CD to al who know So's Your Mom, it is everthing feared it would be - true to life.I would also urge others to hear this recording. It is a wonderful introduction to the wealth of talent within our ranks.

Location Lincoln University, PA - USA

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