Laois singer brings London band back to Ireland

After a 15 year hiatus, a London based band fronted by a talented Laois woman is set to play in Ireland again. 

Despite living in Ballylinan, Wolfhill native, Fiona McElroy, is the lead singer with London act,  Big Mama’s Door. 

“I lived in London for years and set up the band initially in 2006,” Fiona explained. 

Widely acclaimed by peers and audiences, the immensely entertaining and captivating Big Mama’s Door play their own distinct brand of sexy 50’s RnB, jazz and soul music, infused with professionalism and passion. They consistently fill renowned venues across London, such as Ronnie Scott’s and Crazy Coq’s at Brasserie Zedel, Pizza Express among others.

Fiona returned home in 2016 and the band continued gigging in London. They last travelled to Ireland in 2009 and on that occasion they  played Pedigree Corner in Ballylinan, Fiona recalled. 

“I actually live in Ballylinan now but I travel to London once a month for gigs. The last time I brought the band to Ireland was 2009 and I thought it was time to revisit. A lot has changed including the line-up, myself excluded, but I'm pretty sure it's the best line up to date,” Fiona said. 

She can trace her love of blues back to a point in her teenage years when she first heard Billie Holiday sing. After training at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Fiona travelled to London and began singing in the Ain’t Nothing But the Blues bar in Carnaby Street in London. It was there she set up Big Mama’s Door. 

The band seamlessly combines music and joy to create an unforgettable experience that lingers long after the night concludes. Their music sets the perfect tone for a memorable date night, infused with ample sass and fun. Their repertoire, a delightful mix of originals and covers, is led by the genuine and Fiona’s charismatic vocals. 

Imagine the essence of Etta James intertwined with a hint of Patsy Cline, backed by an exceptional band deeply rooted in the iconic sounds of Blue Note, Chess, and Atlantic recordings.

Fiona, in collaboration with the amazing band, guitarist Andy Knight, double bassist Franca Shaw, saxophonist Martin Dewhirst, pianist Stephen Walsh, and drummer Brad Shaw, delivers an extraordinary fusion of blues, infused with soul, and a dash of jazz, and captivating performances in their shows.

“Ian McKenzie Blues in the South” aptly praises, “Excellent band… Fiona’s smoky and laid-back voice conquers risqué blues, intermingled with soulful melodies with fervor…”

Bill Smith of “Blues in Britain” adds, “The audience was thoroughly impressed by Fiona’s captivating stage presence as a performer, alongside the exceptional musical prowess of the remaining band members.”

Big Mama’s Door will tour Ireland over four days taking in gigs in Carlow, Tipperary, Dublin and Kilkenny. 

The tour kick’s off with a  gig in The Tower in Carlow on Thursday, September 5, followed by Ryans in Kilkenny on Friday, Arthurs Blues and Jazz in Dublin on Saturday and lastly the Eco Village in Cloughjordan on Sunday, September 8. 

Tickets are available at  tickets: eventbrite.com/e/big-mamas-door-the-tower-carlow-tickets-907146247847?aff=oddtdtcreator