On this page, you will find biogs for Kevin, the band and band members. Please scroll further down for the band's Technical Specification and Stage Plan.
Kevin O’Regan
Kevin is a singer/songwriter whose roots are in the world of folk and acoustic music. His material is a refreshing cocktail of folk with a dash of blues, a hint of country, an echo of rock topped with a slice of humour to add sparkle. His songs draw from his acute observation of people and the way we live as well as, occasionally, his Irish roots. He has written songs that are guaranteed to have an audience singing, songs of great wit and modern ballads of extraordinary sensitivity. His voice has depth and power but can also convey the most subtle emotions. He is an accomplished guitarist and pianist and is equally at home playing acoustically or through a PA. His debut CD, Never Look Back, was released in September 2010 and his second, Mean Little River, in June 2011.
Kevin's passion for lyrical composition owes much to his love of literature and poetry in particular developed studying English at Exeter University and the Irish influence in his music is derived from his parents, both of whom were born and raised in County Cork. Whilst at University, Kevin sang with Nick Burbridge who went on to form McDermott's Two Hours and whose songs have been covered by The Levellers and many others.
The Kevin O’Regan Band
Energy and enthusiasm burst from the band on stage and, when playing festivals and similar events, the songs are mainly up-tempo with catchy choruses. Kevin is accompanied by Kevin Ward on fretless bass, Olivia Clarke on violin, vocals, sax and flute and Rai Clews on percussion. Kevin Ward plays with passion and has a brilliant ability to bring out the nuances of a song’s melody and rhythm. Olivia Clarke is a talented and accomplished young violinist whose musical ability is evident from the fact that she also sings and plays both sax and flute. Rai Clews plays a cahon, bringing a sharpness and drive to the band’s sound.
Kevin T Ward
Kevin almost exclusively plays five string fretless bass, an instrument that many aspire to play but few master. He draws on wide experience of live and session work in the early eighties, with such diversity as playing with Jazz Funk combo Dead in the Water and performing backing music for Twelfth Night in a theatre. His bass lines are always inventive, using chords and harmonics and often providing very striking rhythmic accompaniment. He makes the bass an instrument in its own right, not just something to fill the sound in the background. Kevin also plays bass with Kismet Hardy and is a music reviewer for various publications.
Olivia Clarke
As well as considerable musical talent, Olivia brings youth and beauty to the band. She trained as a classical violinist, gaining performance experience in county youth orchestras and ensembles. She has the ability to pick up any instrument and make it sing, She plays sax and flute on some songs and also sings. A number of Kevin’s songs were written for female singers or have a dialogue between male and female characters and Olivia provides the female part. She also brings wonderful harmonies on choruses. Olivia has acquired a clarinet and mandolin – so sound engineers beware! She is currently studying geography at Bristol University and plays as much music as her studies allow, being in the university orchestra and chamber choir.
Rai Clews
Rai is an accomplished cahon player. He has a superb ability to create great variety of sound from what is an apparently simple instrument. However, simple it is not. Made by his partner, Rai's current cahon has two faces that can be struck, one which gives a sound like a bodhran and the other which replicates the kick drum and snare of a full kit. Rai also plays with Kismet Hardy and Rogue State Circus.
We just wanted to thank you for playing at our wedding reception and making it such a special end to the day.
Jon and Julie
Tech Spec and Stage Plan
Technical Specification
Kevin O’Regan – guitar, piano and vocals
· Acoustic guitar with in-built pickup DI needed – can supply own lead to DI
· Roland RD300SX digital piano – has two outputs for stereo but happy with mono; ¼ inch jack plug sockets – stage left
· Vocal mic at stage left standing position, towards centre from piano
· Vocal mic by piano seated position
Kevin Ward – fretless bass
· Uses a PJB suitcase bass combo amp with a 3 pin XLR (male) direct output socket for connection to DI/PA; will need a lead to connect
Rai Clews - cahon
· Cahon has its own clip-on mic – will need one lead to mic input (3 pin XLR)
Olivia Clarke – violin, vocals, flute, sax, clarinet
- Uses an acoustic violin with pickup and with jack plug socket
- Will need one vocal mic which can be used for voice, flute and clarinet
- One instrument mic for saxophone unless venue is small in which case mic not needed for sax
Stage Plan
Kevin Ward Rai Clews
Fretless bass Cahon
Olivia Clarke Kevin O’Regan
Violin/ vocals Guitar/ vocals
Piano/vocals
Audience
NB stage positions can be reversed if stage layout requires.
