The first single from the posthumous release of Mike Kirkpatrick’s Drovers Unlimited Orchestra
Drovers Unlimited Orchestra Volume 3, is the final album from Mike Kirkpatrick — a Chicago-based musician, composer, and producer whose work drew from—and gave to—a stunning array of musical genres and traditions. The album is a parting gift from a cornerstone of Chicago’s vibrant music scene.
The album includes an eclectic blend of jazz, world music, and traditional Irish sounds. It showcases Kirkpatrick’s unique ability to synthesize different genres into a cohesive story. With contributions from some of the most respected musicians from around the globe, Volume 3 stands as a powerful testament to Kirkpatrick’s creative genius, generosity, and lifelong dedication to rewriting the definition of music.
The Drovers, an Irish folk-punk-indie-rock band that gained a dedicated following in the 1980s and ‘90s, constantly defied being defined by just one genre. They blended the energy of roots punk with the robust emotion of Irish folk music and their own sense of gleeful subversion. Kirkpatrick was a key driver behind the band’s unique sound, infusing it with global influences and bringing it to ears and stages across the United States, Europe, and beyond.
For Volume 3, Kirkpatrick assembled a remarkable lineup of musicians at Chicago’s Rax Trax studios. The band included Kevin Burke, Dave Liebman, Eddie Henderson, and Billy Hart. Burke is considered one of the most celebrated fiddlers in Irish music today while Henderson is known for his lyrical playing and work with Herbie Hancock. Dave Liebman played with Miles Davis and adds another layer of emotional depth, danger, and complexity to the album while percussionist Billy Hart adds his “drum poetry” to the mix.
Volume 3 encapsulates Mike Kirkpatrick’s artistic legacy—even as it pulsates and bristles with joy and life. The album is a testament to Mike’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of music, and his deep respect for the traditions that shaped and inspired his sound.
Check out one of my favorite tracks on the album below (“Tomorrow, Pt 1”) and if you like what you hear, go support the album on Spotify.
