Hello there!
Introducing Paul Curran's Bungle Rye
Paul Curran, a Dublin born native, quit the security of the famous Coutts Bank in 1979 and formed his first band, Bungle Rye, having moved from London to Bath. In the early eighties he started playing the folk circuit and festivals, mainly in the west country of England. In 1997 he turned professional with Brian Leahy, a fellow Dubliner, on piano accordion and Scottish guitarist/songwriter, Paul McEvoy from "The Boys from County Hell".
In 2000, with the band split up, Paul decided to base himself in Shanghai where he was resident singer at O'Malleys and played with various touring musicians. His first CD was recorded whilst playing with John Scannell and Shawn Watters under the name "Public House" titled "Deoch an Dorais" or "One for the Road".
In 2001 he got involved with "The Blarney Stone Irish Pub" in Shanghai and he is still based there. He did a CD in 2003 called "Give Us A Song". Numbers from this album remain among the most requested at his gigs and it still sells regularly from local outlets.
In 2005, with Allan Cowell, he recorded the well received "Shanghaied". This received airplay in Ireland, England and Wales. They toured in Ireland in August 2008 playing 15 gigs in 8 counties.
The new CD "The Cow Ate The Piper” though still rooted in the Irish folk tradition is much stronger than anything he has done before in that it embraces many other styles and influences from the musicians he played with over what is now his 30th year in music.
Meantime, he can be found most nights entertaining with his band and visiting musicians at the Blarney Stone bar in the fashionable French Concession area of downtown Shanghai. Paul has become the authentic voice of Irish folk music in that part of the world and attracts regular media attention. Sessions at the Blarney Stone have become legendary, attracting many nationalities, including a growing number of Chinese musicians and fans. Visiting musicians from all over come and seek him out.
Forthcoming DVD
A new DVD filmed live in Paul’s bar, The Blarney Stone in downtown Shanghai, will be available soon. It will include 20 great songs, and his supporting band consists of the very best musicians that reside in China. It will also feature some of the historic and beautiful sights in that wonderful and mysterious city
The Cow Ate the Piper
The new CD "The Cow Ate The Piper" is now available. It is distributed by Claddagh Records in Ireland, cost 15Euro.
It will also be available at The Blarney Stone in Shanghai cost RMB 100. Three copies will cost RMB 270. Five copies RMB 400. Please contact Paul directly at bungle_rye@hotmail.com if you require more or need CD's posted overseas.
The Blarney Stone
Favourite Shanghai watering hole of anyone with the slightest drop of Celtic blood, and those not so blessed, the Blarney Stone has become the Irish Bar in Shanghai. Authentically Irish, the low ceilings, stone floor and wood panelling make it seem cozier and more friendly than the others. Wander through the door and you could be right back home. Maybe it’s the smaller, more intimate design and very easy-going clientele.
