With their sweet fusion of musical styles including soul, funk, jazz, blues, rock, reggae and country, Moody Roots are taking the world of soul roots music by storm. And with at least 125 years worth of musical soul between them, are a genuine songwriting force to be reckoned with.
Based in County Cork Ireland, Moody Roots draw from a huge catalogue of original self-penned music and can perform in a number of set-ups including 'The Classical Twist' featuring Elaine McCarthy (cello), Laura McCarthy (violin), Ivan Holden (acoustic guitar, Adrian Boyle (percussion & flute) and band leader Terry Datson (vocals and acoustic guitar). 'The Full Band' can feature The McCarthy sisters PLUS "Detroit Hitman" Jerome Rimson on bass guitar, Art O'Laoire (piano & keyboards), Ivan Holden (electric & acoustic guitars), Andrea Bonino (slide and harmonica) and Terry Datson on lead vocals and acoustic guitar.
Self-sufficient in their production Moody Roots can produce their own high quality audio recordings in-house. The album “Industrial Scene” was produced by Moody Roots. The Production Team includes Art O'Laohaire, Jerome Rimson and Terry Datson
TERRY DATSON, Vocals, Guitars & Songwriting: Formerly “Fatz Datz” (of Fatz Datz and the Kool Katz ) Terry Datson croons soulfully on each track, lending real life experience and an honesty to all the songs. Born in London and relocated to Cork over 20 years ago. Armed with his Chris Larkin acoustic guitar Terry interacts on a very personal level with audiences. Whilst Terry writes all the songs, sings and plays guitar, Moody Roots unique sound is truly the sum of the parts.
ART O’LAOIRE, Piano, Keyboards, Technical Advisor, Production: Art brings a wealth of echnical and musical acumen with his Masters in Music Technology, this is evident in the quality of the recording. Art had previously played with all the band-members, individually, over the years. Prior to his Moody Roots project, Art toured the world providing sound engineering expertise for many well-known people including; Dolly Parton, Tommy Cash, MTV Europe and shows including Riverdance and The Pulses of Tradition.
IVAN HOLDEN, Guitars: Essential “hot” guitar player Ivan Holden (the other “Van”) brings Motown/John Mayer/Claptonesque chops to beat the band a’la Fender Stratocaster. Known city and county-wide as a founder member of The Taxmen and of course - MOODY ROOTS!
JEROME RIMSON: There is not enough space on this page to do justice to Jerome's musical career so here are a few edited highlights starting back in Detroit in 69: 1969 Toured and recorded in Detroit Michigan with the Detroit Emeralds / The Contour’s / The Fantastic four & Edwin Starr 1972 Bassist and musical director for the Detroit Emeralds, receiving Gold status for Feel the Need in Me, U.K. number one in 1972. 1974 Appears on ‘Jamming The Blues’ with Eddie ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson. ‘This is an excellent outing from a performer, who was claimed by both the jazz and blues worlds.’1975 The album Tears on my Pillow by Hugh Masekela & Johnny Nash is released by CBS with Jerome Rimson on bass.
1974-1984 Ten years musical director for Van Morrison, playing on several tours including the famous Montreux Jazz Festivals in Switzerland with further concerts in Australia and America. 1976 Grammy for Jazz, recording with Al Jarreau. One of the most famous concerts in Hamburg, Germany is released on Video/DVD.
Jerome played bass on the Soundtrack for Sgt. Pepper’s The Movie staring the Bee Gees The record was produced by George Martin and the tracks Jerome contributed to were: Maxwell's Silver Hammer and Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Finale) Jerome Played bass on Phillip Lynott's album Solo in Soho. Becoming the only bass player to play bass on a Phil Lynott album apart from Phil himself.
2002 – present Jerome is back with Van Morrison since 2002 and responsible for rehearsing the band and discovering potential new additions. At the same time songs were written and recorded which resulted in the release of one of the best Van Morrison albums to date in 2005 Magic Time. Apart from the bass parts Jerome also contributes with vocals & harmonies on two tracks. Recently Jerome was back on stage again in Dublin for a live concert with Van Morrison. The set included some tracks of the new album together with all the golden oldies. Next to the bass parts Jerome also contributes with vocals & harmonies on two tracks.
2005 Go Live from Paris with Stomu Yamashta and Steve Winwood. The first steps and drafts have been made towards a book that Jerome wants to publish. 35 years of working with the greatest is enough material for more than just an average book. Negotiations are ongoing to incorporate a CD Album to accompany the book
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