Rising to the occasion

Band Cavan debut on Friday, November 19

Back in 2004 George Murphy made a name for himself in on the 'You're A Star' television programme with a voice the evoked the power and depth of Luke Kelly.

His memorable appearances on the RTE show at the age of 17 saw him burst onto the Irish folk and traditional music scene with his prodigious talent. In the last 17 years he has continued to develop that talent. After a four year stint with The High Kings he established his own band The Rising Sons.

“We are a mixture of Irish trad folk and rock 'n' roll,” he told the Celt ahead of his appearance in The Imperial on Friday, November 19. Formed at a session with people from all walks of life, all ages, different occupations and musical tastes The Rising Sons is a bit of an anomaly.

“It probably had no right to work, but it just did. We found a formula combining the authentic Irish instruments of banjo, whistles, bodhrans and electric guitars and bass to come up with a very big, raw and new sound. It was tough to bring the show on the road with so many people involved but we did just that and we tour as an eight piece band,” says George.

The band will make their debut Cavan performance on Friday, November 19.