Behind the Music, By Mike Larkin
I walked into Chicago's Gaelic Park's Lounge one evening in 1995 (Since converted into the Carraig Pub) to relax and take in the band, Velvet Green, a husband and wife combo who happened to be playing that night.
For the past few years my brothers and myself had been dabbling with putting a band together, mostly having sessions at family gatherings. Coaxed by my lovely wife, Jean, to sing a song, I downed my pint and asked the husband, who played an excellent accordion, to sing a song.
He graciously accepted (He actully commented that he would let me sing if I would stop requesting songs.). I did a delightful (horrible) version of Paddy Clancy's 'Jug of Punch' and then rejoined my wife who had ordered me another pint while I was on stage. Still being a wee bit nervous, I immediately took to this new pint like a fish to water.
I was then approached by a middle-aged woman who said she was the booking manager at a restaurant called Jim's Steakhouse (It's now closed but it's not our fault, really.) She said she didn't catch my name but she was looking for good Irish Folk Bands to perform in their lounge area of the restaurant and wanted to know what band I was in. I told her I was in 'The Larkin Brothers' and the rest they say is history.
The band:
Dan Larkin - The oldest and driving force (Which is a kind way of saying he bosses the rest of us around. Don't all older brothers?) of the band, Dan plays guitar and sings. People say his voice is a crossover of Christy Moore and Liam Clancy with just a touch of Davy Carton (of the SawDoctors). I say he made me write that.
Mike Larkin - It's himself, says I. I play a little of everything, mostly the bodhr�n, sing and tell a joke or two.
Joe Larkin - One word can describe brother Joe, but I need two - raw energy. Joe plays harmonica, guitar and lends a lead vocal on a song or two.
Terry Moran - The talented one of us, Terry is a session veteran who plays the mandolin, tin whistle and banjo. When he's not doing that he's sleeping or singing.
Kevin Moran - Terry's younger brother, Kevin's the newest member of the band and provides our sound with a deep rich bass.
Mike Murphy - Murph's been around for years; as our first bass player but now he plays mandolin.
