Poitín are an award-winning traditional Celtic band from Pilsen in the Czech Republic. They explore all forms of Celtic music but are firmly grounded in the pub session tradition and like nothing better than sitting round a table in the corner of a cosy pub playing old favourites about tarry sailors, merry maids and drunken nights. Poitín have performed at festivals across Europe in Italy, France, Poland, Denmark, Germany and the Czech Republic.
Poitín are:
Jaroslav Macháček – fiddle and founder member
Jeremy King – bodhrán, vocals
Martin Jankovec – guitar
Sasha Marešová – whistles, flutes
Ivan Kudrna – bass
They formed in Pilsen in 1996, have released seven studio albums to date and are also included on various Celtic music compilation albums.
Discography:
'One For The Road' (2022).
'Simple Pleasures' (2016). The 13 tracks are a mix of traditional songs and instrumental tunes, and most of the instrumental sets include original compositions by the band. In addition to concertina, bouzouki, banjo, fiddle, whistles, flutes and bodhrán, former band member and sax player Helena Marková, who played sax and whistles on Hot Days (2006) and Bofiguifluki (2010), returns as a special guest on this album. Purchase on Bandcamp to get a special signed copy of the CD and download in the format of your choice.
‘Wish’ (2014) is a ‘coming-of-age’ recording in more ways than one. It marks the band’s 18th year of working together and shows the band in a more mature light. The album features traditional and original songs and tunes.
‘Bofiguifluki’ (2010) was voted Album of the Year 2010 by Celtic Radio.net They said: 'Bofiguifluki is a masterpiece of traditional Celtic music that is a breathless and enchanting collection of intricate, elegant and downright foot stomping Celtic music! … Our Celtic Radio Album of the Year award acknowledges musicians who have made exceptional contributions to the genre of Celtic Music. By every means possible, Poitín has excelled in providing an album that meets every criteria of this prestigious and notable award. We have really enjoyed this talented group from the Czech Republic and aside from being a great group of people, Poitín shows a perfection of music and instrument that will have you listening to these tracks over and over. Beautiful arrangements and masterful talent!'
‘Jiggery Pokery’ (2009) is a compilation album which takes us on a magical journey from the raw energy of a highly spirited Irish session to the contemplative and haunting mood of a moonlit night by a nameless shore. It documents the development of a band which over the years has captivated and exhilarated audiences from Bordeaux to Warsaw and from Prague to Turin.
‘Hot Days’ (2006) features a lush mix of saxophone, didgeridoo and more traditional instruments to create a sparkling collection of songs and tunes, some traditional, some new.
‘De la Basse Bretagne’ (2003) is a tribute to the talents of the band's French singer, Neige Pruvost. Recorded before she had to return to France, it consists mainly of French and Breton songs and tunes. A traditional Czech folk song, 'Lida, Lidunka' rounds off the album in acknowledgement of the band's own roots.
‘Poitín’ was released in 2000 and features a traditional collection of tunes including the 'Congress Reel' (featured in the Netflix series House Of Guinness) and songs such as 'Spanish Lady' as well as Breton and English folk songs.
