Assembled by drummer Romek Parol (The Pirates, Eric Bell, Chicken Shack) here's the 2nd album from Donegal-based The Fortunate Few !
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
THE FORTUNATE FEW – 2nd album ‘Isn’t That So’ released May 29th 2026.
Available on CD and via Distrokid. Spotify pre-save: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/thefortunatefew1/isnt-that-so?ref=release
The single ‘If You Need Somebody’ available now
Touring UK & Ireland, November 2026
Available for interviews
Assembled by drummer Romek Parol (of The Pirates, Chicken Shack, Eric Bell) and based in North-West Donegal, The Fortunate Few is a marriage of musicians with a wealth of experienced talent:
Alongside Romek, the band consists of Dave ‘Much’ Moore on keyboards (Pete Brown, Dick Heckstall-Smith, Vicktor Brox, John O’Leary, No Dice); Billy Robinson (bass) has worked with whole host of names in Ireland, including Quarterdeck. As an engineer & producer he has worked with Mary Black amongst others and has earned a Grammy Award along the way. The exceptional, soulful vocals are courtesy of Paul Cox ’(Frankie Millers Full House, John Slaughter, Micky Moody and his own Paul Cox Band); Guitarist Mick McCarney has played with just about every artist in Ireland – including Daniel O’Donnell!
The first album from The Fortunate Few - ‘Saints and Sinners’ - was released in January 2026. Now comes ‘Isn’t That So’. A heady mix of blues and soul, with songs largely selected by Romek who has stories to tell around most of these, as well as stories around members of the original bands, too Among the highlights are ‘Work To Do’, (originally by The Isley Brothers), which he discovered first from the Average White Band; ‘Never Make Your Move Too Soon’ from BB Kings’ classic ‘Take It Home’ album; Bonnie Raitt’s ‘Fundamental Things’ and more, including songs heard from Boz Scaggs, Jesse Winchester, Keb Mo, Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland, John Hiatt…oh, and The Pirates’ ‘Don’t Fool Around With Love’, co-written by Mick Green and TJ Robinson. A lifelong friend of Romek’s, TJ wrote most of the material on ‘Saints and Sinners’.
“Paul and Munch also threw in a couple of suggestions, too. Call it ‘guilty pleasures’ – only that I don’t feel guilty!” Romek ‘fesses up. “We took them, stripped them down and gave them The Fortunate treatment… there’s a particular vibe in the Groove Shack (Billy’s studio) which lends itself to great recordings, both quality-wise and vibe-wise… must be the Ramelton Irish Mist…”
Individually, The Fortunate Few have all forged solid careers, with impressive c.v’s, toured the world and have between them either recorded with, played or shared stages with some of the world’s ‘greats’, including ... Eric Clapton, Ray Charles, Bonnie Tyler, Bo Diddley, Sharon Shannon, ZZ Top ...... the list goes on and on ...
Given their diverse careers their influences cover a wide range of styles, from Celtic, to Southern blues, to soul, a touch of jazz and a smattering of Americana .... producing a unique blend of musical flavours.
Tracks + notes from Mr.Parol ! -
Fundamental Things (nicked off Bonnie Raitt) David Batteau / John Cody / Larry Klein
Never Make Your Move Too Soon (BB King most popular version, Stix Hooper influence on me)
Will Jennings / Nesbert ‘Stix’ Hooper
Whole Enchilada (nicked off Keb Mo after hearing his performance of it with Darryl Hall)
John Lewis Parker / Keb Mo
Isn't That So (too many versions, damn good song). Jesse Winchester
Don't Fool Around With Love - track off ‘We've Been Thinking’ by The Pirates ... always liked the riff and groove) Mick Green / TJ Robinson.
Work To Do (nicked off Hamish Stuart but originally heard it by Isleys).
O'Kelly Isley / Ronald Isley / Rudolph Isley
Come On Home (heard the Boz Scaggs version and then took it apart and countryfied it a bit).
Earl Randle / Willie Mitchell
Treat A Dog (first heard this by Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland perfect for Paul)
Steve Barri / Dan Walsh / Michael Omartian / Michael Price
If You Need Somebody (nicked off Bonnie again). Bonnie Raitt / George Marinelli
Lovers Will (heard the original by John Hiatt, slowed it down) John Hiatt
You're Gonna Look Good In Blues (heard an old friend Willie Finlayson - bless him RIP - sing this one night) Tony Joe White
Booking now for November in UK and Ireland as well as all periods throughout 2027 in UK, Ireland and Europe
All booking enquiries to ANTONE MUSIC - +353873632505 antonemusic72@yahoo.com
Comments