Pat Kilbride, hailing from Ireland, initially formed a rock band that later welcomed members from the international folk circuit, such as John Whelan, along with New York City session musicians Kinny Landrum, Richard Lindsey, and Steve Missal. After producing two projects with renowned producers John Simon (of The Band) and Steve Addabbo (notable for his work with Suzanne Vega), the group ultimately disbanded. Both albums were originally distributed by Green Linnet Records and remain accessible through various online platforms. The band is often recognized for pushing the boundaries of traditional folk genres.
In 1990, Kilbride sought to assemble a band for a performance at the iconic New York City venue CBGB. He dubbed the group the Kips Bay Ceili Band. Following a successful debut, the ensemble decided to continue performing regularly at local nightclubs and Irish bars. However, the name proved misleading, as they were not a traditional ceili band, which focuses on Irish dance music.
Kilbride explained, "I used the name Ceili Band as something tongue-in-cheek because it wasn't a Ceili band, it was more of a rock band." He noted that some audience members arrived expecting a conventional ceili experience. "Ceili is a traditional Irish format, which is viewed as a bit corny, you know. It's similar to how Electric Light Orchestra is not a light orchestra." Additionally, he faced challenges with American friends pronouncing "Ceili" incorrectly as "seely," rather than the correct "kaylee."
Recognizing that Celtic music remains a niche interest, Kilbride decided to simplify the name to Kips Bay, named after the East Side neighborhood where he lived upon arriving in New York City. The five-member band, which will be performing two shows at Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem, is known for its blend of original compositions and energetic Irish tunes, infused with elements of rock, blues, and jazz.
Kilbride emphasizes that the group does not identify as a Celtic rock band, stating, "Celtic rock is a particular term. It's a genre, and we do not consider ourselves to be Celtic rock at all. I would call it roots rock with an Irish accent."
Growing up in County Kildare, Ireland, Kilbride began playing guitar at the age of 10 and developed a deep appreciation for American music. He relocated to New York in 1989 "for a change of climate," believing it to be an ideal environment for a musician with his diverse interests. "America — being the home of great guitar playing, singer-songwriting, rock 'n' roll, blues, and all that good stuff — it was a logical place to come to, to explore those areas. As a kid, I grew up listening to American music like Woody Guthrie and Mississippi John Hurt. My finger-picking style is based on American blues, a folk-blues style. But having said that, I am an Irishman, and I also grew up listening to the radio and going to concerts in Ireland. One of my fortes is adapting traditional-style Irish music, normally played on fiddles and pipes, to the guitar."
Kips Bay's vibrant sound is shaped by a talented lineup, including Kilbride on guitar and vocals, Irish accordion champion John Whelan, who recently released the solo album "Celtic Reflections" (Narada), which charted on Billboard last summer. Drummer and vocalist Steve Missal is recognized for his work with Billy Idol in the 1980s, particularly for his iconic drum riff on "White Wedding." Bass player Richard Lindsey is a respected session musician known within world-beat circles, while the newest addition, New Orleans keyboardist Kinny Landrum, has collaborated with artists such as Jimmy Cliff and Robert Palmer and won a Grammy for his contributions to the soundtrack of David Lynch's TV series "Twin Peaks."
The band's latest album, "Into the Light," is their second release on Green Linnet Records. Produced by Steve Addabbo, the album features seven new songs alongside four Celtic instrumental suites. With a focus on accessible pop melodies and dynamic rhythms, Kilbride and Missal share lead vocal duties while Addabbo contributes electric guitar.
Kilbride remarks on their approach to the industry, saying, "Steve (Addabbo) produced Shawn Colvin and Suzanne Vega's first album, so we do have an interest — how shall I say it? — amongst generic roots-rock producers within the industry in New York City. However, we're a very private band. We don't have big management or big agencies, and we don't deal with big p.r. companies. We just go out and play our music."
