Four Men & A Dog: Long Roads

No, there is not a canine accompanying the group, but veteran Irish Folk artists Four Men & A Dog are renown as one of the most kinetic live acts out of the Emerald Isle, even without the dog. The band's style of music has evolved with strong folk and rock elements and a penchant for sage song writing that is emphatic, vivid, and eclectic as the music itself. Gaining their name from the original quintet featuring former member Mick "Black Dog" Daly, Four Men & A Dog have been earning their international reputation since their initial embarkment into music back in 1990. Long Roads represents their fourth release, recorded in Woodstock, NY at Levon Helm's studio and engineered by the Band's producer Aaron Hurwitz. Their music ranges wide, from southern rock, country and bluegrass styles to blues, salsa... even polka, without ever losing coherence or congruity. Four Men & A Dog were one of Ireland's best kept secrets: the band recently performed for a BBC telecast as well as shared stage with President Clinton and Van Morrison for the Belfast Peace Christmas tree lighting in front of a global audience of millions. Long Roads has all the earmarks of a "must have" among music enthusiasts of all factions and passions.
-- Transatlantic Records press release

Long Roads was released during FMA&D's short UK/ Ireland tour supporting The Band (who they appeared with for the encore "Willie & The Hand Jive"). "Joefy Spokes" is maybe the best track, with strong Danko vocal support (but has more than a passing resemblance in places to Dylan's Golden Loom). Levon Helm is listed among 'thanks' but doesn't play. Band members Garth Hudson, Randy Ciarlante, Richard Bell and Danko appear.

Tracks

1. She's On My Mind
2. Planet Ways
3. Nancy
4. Meet Me
5. The Sally Gardens
6. Joefy Spokes
7. Long Roads
8. Poor Fool Polka
9. Over The River She Goes
10. Restless
11. Hold On I'm Comin'

Sidemen

• Rick Danko
• Garth Hudson
• Levon Helm, engineer

Four Men & A Dog - Long Roads - 1996 - Transatlantic T-2009