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Wednesday, 14 February 2007
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Jeff Martin talks to Benjamin Coombs about life after 'The Tea Party'

You've never performed here in Galway before have you?

No, this will be the first time, so I'm really looking forward to it. This concert is an introduction, a chance to initiate people into what I do. Hopefully there's a new audience to be discovered.

You've visited the city before though?

Yeah, I came in July 2005. I'd heard that it was a Mecca for Irish traditional music, so I went to all these local venues, and I was blown away by all the talented musicians. I also liked the fact that Galway is so multi cultural.

How did you end up moving over to live in Ireland?

I'm very good friends with the British Folk singer Roy Harper and he lives in Cork. During all the years when I was touring with 'The Tea Party', when I had a real Rock and Roll lifestyle, I'd always visit him. Ireland always felt like a refuge, a place of physical and spiritual healing. So when 'The Tea Party' ended and my wife and I needed somewhere to settle down, Ireland was a natural choice. Now we live in Kerry in an old farmhouse. It's the best thing I've done in my life. It's given me a wealth of inspiration and wonderful friendships.

Was it a difficult decision to stop the band?

Of course; 'The Tea Party' was a very dark, big, rock and roll band, and it was hard to walk away from.

The current tour is you and percussionist Wayne Sheehy. It's a stripped down sound.

Yeah, what I did with 'The Tea Party' was a major band with a big sound, and now I'm out there solo and acoustic. The songs are stripped down to their bare essence and that's the true test of the power of a song. The Irish audiences seem to love it; they've been really appreciative and respectful.

What makes for the most unforgettable gigs?

At the best gigs a kind of annihilation of your ego happens; the music takes you to a whole different place. It's like stepping into this magical land. Here in Ireland, it seems to be happening more and more often!

Does music help you to stay happy and balanced?

The process of song writing and performing is cathartic for me; it does help to balance me. I have a real dark side to my psyche and music helps me to tame it. If I didn't have music then I might be dangerous.

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