Though we have only been a band since early 2007, N8i were lucky enough to be invited to join the FGM Records label, part of Dan Miller´s Flatpick Guitar Magazine for our first recording. Our affiliation with FGM is due to Kathy´s work with the magazine, as well as recognition as one of northern California´s best bluegrass musicians, adding some of the "WEE BIT MORE" to the music Nine-8ths Irish offers.

Following is the description of Nine-8ths Irish on the FGM Records website:

FGM columnist Kathy Barwick and her band Nine-8ths Irish have released this new CD called ´West of Ireland´. Linked by a love of traditional Irish instrumental music, the four musicians in this band, with vastly different backgrounds — from bluegrass and country to jazz and big band music — have come together to perform music that they describe as "Irish and a wee bit more."

Comprised of award-winning fiddler Linda Relph (a four-time women´s champion in California), Bo Bowen (whistles), well-known bluegrass musician Kathy Barwick (guitar), and Chris Dunlap (bodhran), Nine-8ths Irish presents Irish and American tunes in a tasty blend of styles. The first foray into Celtic music for FGM Records, "West of Ireland" presents traditional jigs, reels and other dance tunes, a handful of tunes written during the past twenty years and a new tune by Linda Relph, "Shennopsy." Inspired by the greats that have come before them, Nine-8ths Irish makes its recording debut with this collection.

Track Listing (all are just samples unless specified)

1. Barrowburn/Congress/High Reel
2. Fig For a Kiss/Calliope House
3. Farewell to Whalley Range (Click here for Full Track 3.1mb)
4. Wise Maid
5. Julia Delaney/Ships Are Sailing/The Banshee (full track - 4.5mb)
6. Shennopsy/Kerfunken/Dick Gossip's
7. Crested Hens/Beare Island/Lads of Laois
8. Cordal Jig/Banish Misfortune/Tar Road to Sligo
9. The Relationship Set: Eileen Curran/Catharsis/Reconciliation
10. White Petticoat/Garret Barry's/Bank of Turf
11. Far Away
12. Paddy's Trip to Scotland/Macarthur Road/Foxhunter's

Click here to hear Nine-8ths Irish live on the KVMR Main Stage from 2007 KVMR Celtic Festival.

N8i on KVMR Live! (NOTE: This is a large MP3 file, but you can just click on for streaming audio through your browser. If you attempt to download it, it may take quite some time as it is over 60MB.)