The Whole Shabang! are a quintet from the Carrick-on-Suir region in the South Midlands of Ireland. Formed in 1993, they cull their influences from a variety of sources like rock roll, Cajun, country, and traditional Irish music. Their lineup on the 1995 debut Dreamers and Believers includes drummer Mick Rowley; bassist Tom Comerford; accordionist Dominic Hearne; fiddler Fergal Kavanagh; and guitar, banjo, and mandolin player Gay Brazel. That same roster would also comprise their following two recordings, Cuttin' Loose! (1996) and A Mad Hatters Ball (1997). Throughout those three albums, the Whole Shabang! borrowed material from such influential artists like Charlie Daniels, Richard Thompson, Van Morrison, Steeleye Span, Sharon Shannon, and Steve Earle. And in the case of Earle, they included one of his songs on each of their three releases. Given their array of influences, it's peculiar that this band has opted more for a schmaltzy lounge or wedding band sound than the respected style of any of their mentors. ~ Dave Sleger, Rovi