New York
Public Library
 

Founded over 30 years ago,  and at one time with a lineup of seven people, the group still comprises three of the original members: Warren Boyd, Isabelle Fogarty and John Flanagan.

 While the instrumentation  is typically bluegrass - banjo, guitars, mandolin and acoustic bass - the group is anything but traditional. They draw on an enormous repertoire of bluegrass, Irish, country and contemporary music, with a strong element of comedy – including such oddities as a fascinating arrangement of “Back in Nagasaki (where the fellers chew tobaccy)” and a song that nearly spelt the death of the Samba.

 As the Library points out, not many bluegrass groups do the Samba.

 The Library’s unique approach to audience participation usually produces hilarious results. Audiences have been known to have almost as much fun as the group.

 They’re  possibly best-known for  their close 3-part harmony and the distinctive sound comes from the fact that, contrary to normal practice, where the woman sings the high line, Isabelle generally sings the complex mid-harmonies in the mix, creating the heart of the sound.

 As to the name, well, the group say they’ve been on the shelf for years,  and people often take a lend of them.

 Plus they’re available for bookings.