James 

For a long time Irish music had been one of many kinds of music that I liked to listen to.

When I started to accompany - on the piano - a choir that sings Irish songs, I came into contact with people that really love Irish folk. I started to play my guitar in sessions and learned to play the bodhrán, the bones and the spoons the Irish way.

One day, in the spring of 2005, Joost de Moel invited me to start a group with her and Ton Oudejans. Joost is a very fine singer with a beautiful, warm voice and Ton is an excellent guitar player, so it didn't take long for me to say yes to the invitation.

In Irish Red I play the piano, the accordeon, the guitar and a percussion instrument now and then. I've written a few of the "own" Irish Red numbers.