The Prodigals - Dreaming in Hell's Kitchen (2001)

The third album by this group of Irish-American Celtic rockers sees traditional Scottish fiddler Johnny Cunningham in the producer's chair. While his history is solidly rooted in Scottish music (Silly Wizard, Relativity, and Nightnoise), recent years have seen him branch out in diverse directions. His involvement with the Raindogs in the early '90s through his session work with the Dropkick Murphys' Sing Loud Sing Proud prove that he's no stranger to the rock & roll end of the musical spectrum. On this album he generally doesn't tamper with the Prodigals' edgy style of folk-rock. His fiddle accompanies the band on select occasions but, oddly, what sets this album apart from their previous two records is the strength of their original pieces. While the entire band is credited with composing the music for the Prodigals' own songs, the lyrics are, by and large, written by accordion player and co-lead singer Gregory Grene. The selections in which he sings lead are generally more gentle and uplifting -- on the surface, if not in lyrical content too. Guitarist Ray Kelly sings lead on half of the songs and delivers them in a more coarse and surly manner. The rhythm section of bassist Andrew Harkin and drummer Brian Tracey are firmly established as one of the most melodic and grooving duo involved in rock & roll, folk, Celtic rock, worldbeat, or whatever category this innovative quartet inevitably gets labeled as.

From Cavan, Clare, Dublin and New York, GRAB! Entertainment recording artist THE PRODIGALS have gained one of the fastest growing audiences of any Irish act as well as critical acclaim throughout the world with their distinctive, jig-punk approach to Irish music. Voted #1 by readers of the Irish Echo over U2, the Saw Doctors, Sinead O'Connor, Van Morrison and Black 47, THE PRODIGALS have just released "Dreaming In Hell's Kitchen", a dynamic, 12-track disc of both stunning and joyful songs about dreams, passions and moments intensely lived, in surroundings that are gritty, imperfect and real. THE PRODIGALS' third album, and follow-up to their groundbreaking relase "Go On", "Dreaming In Hell's Kitchen" was produced by the amazing Johnny Cunningham, one of the foremost fiddlers (with Silly Wizard, Relativity, Celtic Fiddlefest among others) and producers (most notably with Solas) in the Celtic tradition.