The Harvest Ministers

The Harvest Ministers were formed in Dublin in 1987, in the month of June, as a 3-piece (Will Merriman on guitar, Padraig McCaul on saxophone and Dave Duffy on vocals). Early television appearances coupled with opening slots to visiting household names ensured it wasn't long before their profile shot up.
By 1991 Will had relieved Duffy of all singing duties, the sight of a drummer's stool and bass guitar was a regular occurrence at shows and Gerardette Bailey (on vocal harmony) and Aingeala de Burca (on violin) were added to the mix. Then a recording session in a kitchen in
Maynooth resulted in the band’s first single - ‘You Do My World the World of Good’. Glowing reviews led to a deal with indie label Sarah Records and in 1993 The Harvest Ministers released their 1st album, ‘Little Dark Mansion’.
The ’95 follow-up ‘A Feeling Mission’ on the Setanta label brought the band to a wider audience courtesy of its release in the U.S., mainland Europe and of course closer to home in the U.K. and Ireland. The album also introduced the harmony vocals of Maeve Roche who had replaced Gerardette in the role.
'97’s ‘Orbit’, produced by John Parish, and recorded in Hoboken, New Jersey was the second album released for Setanta. The turn of the century saw the release of ‘Embezzling Kisses’ in 2000 on the band’s own label, ‘Crayon Records'. The 5-track EP with the infectious jazzy feel of the title track was distributed in the US through March Records.
‘My Star is Shining’ (Crayon) the band’s 4th album was released in 2003 securing album of the week accolade on Irish National Radio and extensive day-time radio play for the song ‘The Warmest Heart’.
The EP ‘Love Will Call On You’, with its dreamy melodic piano and guitar lines, was released in 2007.
A slightly different mood and texture to Will’s songwriting revealed itself on ‘The Light of Which I Speak’ (2009, Will’s first solo album) thanks to the inspiration provided by fellow Minister Padraig McCaul’s beautiful and evocative paintings. McCaul’s distinctive style and class as a painter can be checked out at (www.padraigmccaul.com).
2010 saw the release of ‘Strange Love Letter’ (Crayon), recorded in Manhattan and Brooklyn. Produced by Andy Fitzpatrick and Will, further kudos should be given to Andy who is responsible for the wonderful string arrangements, particularly on the outstanding tracks:
‘Tombstone Eyes’, ‘Life Just Put Her in My Way’ and ‘Friday Night Séance’.
Fans of the band can look forward to an anthology of The Harvest Ministers’ music. Titled ‘You Can See Everything From Here’, it is set for release sometime in the summer of 2013. In fact if anyone out there wants to pre-order this record, just post me a message and we can take your details. Either way I will let you know closer to the time where, when and how you can get your hands on it.
The Harvest Ministers are Will Merriman and honorary members, Padraig McCaul, Mark Byrne, Kieran Lally, along with Maeve Roche, Gerardette Bailey, Brian Foley.
Lest we forget:
Andy Fitzpatrick - A resident of New york (check out www.andyfitzpatrick.com), Andy has guested on all the albums to date & probably will be involved in the next. ( We love him.)
Aingeala De Burca (violin) - Those of you who have Six O’Clock Is Rosary will appreciate what a special talent & touch Aingeala has. Her contribution to the band is immense as it is beautiful.
Padraig McCaul - Yes we’ve mentioned him already, but the guy is a painter with a growing reputation, don’t believe me? Go to www.padraigmccaul.com.
Discography:
Albums -
Little Dark Mansion – Sarah Records
A Feeling Mission – Setanta Records
Orbit – Setanta Records
My Star Is Shining – Crayon Records
The Light of Which I Speak - Crayone Records
Strange Love Letter – Crayon Records
You Can See Everything From Here - Crayon Records
Singles/EPs -
Six O’Clock Is Rosary – Sarah Records
You Do My World the World of Good- Sarah Records
If It Kills Me and It Will EP – Sarah Records
That Won’t Wash – Setanta Records
Petticoats EP – Crayon Records
Embezzling Kisses EP - Crayon Records
Love Will Call on You EP – Crayon Records