The Mudcat Blues Band

“WHAT’S that I hear going all around town?” blues legend Rory Gallagher once sang. Well, these times it’s Listowel blues band Mudcat that’s creating the buzz. Mudcat consists of locals Neil Beasley (bass), Stephen O’Connor (drums), Seamus Slenon (vocals) and Morris Twomey (guitar). According to Neil Beasley, the initial idea was to form an original band, fusing blues, rock and jazz, with a flair for musical improvisation. “The band currently filters in their own originals and renditions of blues standards in their setlists,” said Neil. After an initial split in 2006 the band have now regrouped after much popular demand having previously garnered a reputation for its energetic, live gigs. According to Neil, Mudcat are now hoping to expand outside their home territory and break into the larger Irish musical scene. Their 2004 album Spies in the House of Juda recieved much acclaim. Mudcat have already been mentioned in 2FM’s the Dave Fanning show as a band to watch out for and in 2004 appeared live on a TG4 pop programme.