There is a widely known fable of the prodigal son. He leaves home early with his share of his father’s dough, blows it in grand fashion and then comes crawling home. The son’s father forgives him and allows him back into the home.
The Prodigals, described as an Irish-rock, Celtic-rock and jig-punk band, takes its name from this story, said Gregory Grene, singer and button-accordion player. Grene is quick to point out The Prodigals are still in the son’s “pre-reform” stage.
Grene’s musical influences include strictly traditional Irish music. The rest of the band is rock-oriented and would probably count their musical influences to include groups like the Ramones and the Chemical Brothers.
Along with Grene, the Prodigals consist of bass player Andrew Harkin, lead vocalist and guitar player Ray Kelly and drums, percussion and backing vocalist Brain Tracey.
“Our backbone and heart is in Irish traditional music,” Grene said. “But we bring an energy out of a whole vocabulary of rhythms not necessarily traditional.”
The Prodigals are in town Saturday night at the Newport to support their latest, “Dreaming In Hell’s Kitchen,” their third release to date.
The band records and performs some traditional Irish songs. On this album, one such song is “Jackie Hall.”
“When we do rework traditional stuff, we do what speaks to us,” Grene said. ” ‘Jackie Hall’ appealed to us, it’s such a vivid portrait of a guy sickened by guns and unrepentant. There is amazing depth and root in the basic human condition.”
The Prodigals performed a record release party at the World Trade Center on Aug. 21.
“It’s a really tragic situation (Sept. 11),” Grene said. “Thankfully no one in the band was directly affected. We were just grateful for the opportunity to play there.”
Traveling has not changed too much for the band.
“Right now flights are more cumbersome, but I’m not convinced they are more secure,” Grene said. “It is important to value the present.”
Grene said when the Prodigals are on the road, there are nothing but ups. There are problems getting good food and lack of sleep but the feeling of the road, a party between each city, makes it all worth it.
“When we go to a place we’ve never been before, there’s a feeling of welcome back home that’s very wonderful,” he said.
“The road is very hectic and crazy in a really nice way,” Grene said. “Free-time is unbelievably minimal.”
The Prodigals have become favorites at the yearly Dublin Irish Festival, which Grene describes as “one of the best festivals anywhere.” With an indoor concert like the Newport, some different factors come into play. The sound is stronger indoors and easier to control, he said.
“The Prodigals have played the CD101 Big Room three times,” said Jack DeVoss, musical director of CD101. “They are one of the best concert rock bands I’ve seen and being Irish-American, I’ve seen a lot. They are a rollicking ruckus of a good time.”
“Our future goals are to keep making music with the joy we’re making it now,” Grene said. “When you shoot for success, it takes away from the joy. The odds are infinitely higher of finding success if you are looking for joy.”
Grene gives a huge thanks to the city of Dublin and the Dublin Irish Festival for making it possible for the Prodigals to play a venue like the Newport.
“The best you can do is have fun,” he said. “It’s an amazing life.”
