New Leaf is Kira Jewett on fiddle and Jim Bunting on guitar, vocals and bouzouki, usually as a trio with another melody player steeped in the tradition. Together they play traditional tunes with tight, driving rhythm, interspersed with Jim's unique take on Ireland's song repertoire.
Kira Jewett started playing classically when she was just three years old but fell in love with the music of Ireland in her 20s and studied extensively with the virtuoso fiddler Brian Conway. She is the 2003 All-Ireland fiddle Slow Airs Champion. Singer and rhythm player Jim Bunting is an avid local session player who brings a sensitive touch and driving rhythm to the band. Derek Monahan is a versatile guitarist, banjoist, and singer working across New England. He has built a career performing various styles of music including classical, disco, Irish, sea shanties, and rock.
