Paddyrasta are the highly original Scottish celtic/reggae band who bring a fresh, new sound that has been described on the BBC Celtic Connections Programme as "absolutely terrific". Their line up includes banjo, accordion, tin whistle, bass, drums, vocal

PADDYRASTA
Nigerian David Imevbore’s driving rhythms and Colin Edward’s sweet reggae bass grooves provide the rhythm section. Tom Roche (Ireland) on button-accordion and Sara Reith (Scotland) on tin whistles weave traditional melodies around heartfelt, catchy lyrics from Brian Gilligan (Northern Ireland) to create this distinctively original music. Paddyrasta’s debut single Molly Malone is gaining exposure in America, picking up airplay on radio stations and being championed by club DJ’s. The track, which is a very different take on the classic Irish song ‘Cockles and Mussels’, is set for a UK release in March.

Paddyrasta formed in Aberdeen in November 2004, when Brian Gilligan, Colin Edwards and Tom Roche began working on Brian’s ideas of fusing reggae and Irish music with his own songs. They played their first gig as a support to the legendary Jamaican band The Skatalites in December 2004, and have subsequently performed regularly throughout Scotland.

Since winning the local Battle of the Bands competition in May 2005, they have been working on their debut album “Listen To Your Heart” which has just been released, and is now available.

The band has played at Rootin Aboot and The Spirit of the Moment Fire Festival during the year and also shared the stage with bands such as Croft No. 5 and The Legendary Shack Shakers. They have recently been asked to open for Shane MacGowan of The Pogues.  They have also played a live set on BBC Scotland's Celtic connections programme.