The McCools—Paul McCool, Brian McCool, and James McCool (no relation)—come together from different backgrounds and influences to perform a variety of music with a Celtic flair and an energetic, yet soulful, performance.
The three came together when their own musical journeys led them to a chance meeting. After Paul stomped through the clubs and back streets of the late-'80s punk and indie scene from D.C. to NYC's CBGB, Brian bummed around the So-Cal ska scene from Long Beach to the Bay Area, and James rambled the dusty byways and highways from the Midwest to Greenwich Village, they found themselves in a smoky dive bar with an Irish name in Philly's Great Northeast. It was that night, over some poorly poured pints of Guinness and a shanty band playing tunes in the back corner by the ATM, that they realized they shared a common love of Irish music, good beer, and properly scheduled shenanigans. They decided to get together and do something about it.
After a short 20-year stint in Birmingham, they are now out there playing music together. They perform traditional and popular Irish/Celtic songs while also bringing in tunes from their various influences, all done in their own unique acoustic style. The McCools are a fun and lively trio ready to entertain at pubs, parties, and anywhere looking for a good time!
