About New Leaf
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. Our other current regular players include:
Sally Fortini, a flute and whistle player who was an active member of the local session scene for over a decade before relocating to Florida
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.
CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO FROM ONE OF OUR BEST MUSICAL NIGHTS EVER!
New Leaf with Sally Fortini, The Cottage, Melbourne FL
New Leaf at the Big E Fair, 2023
CD Release at Fleadh Nua 2023, Ennis
New Leaf Livestream
Live at Stone Cow Brewery
New Leaf at the Burren Backroom
New Leaf CD Release: The Diamond/Sleepless Nights
"Beautiful playing there..."
Billy McComiskey
Music Reviews
Kudos from our fellow musicians!
You have every right to be excited about New Leaf, your band has drive, melodic maturity, and great vocals!
-a fellow musician
Lovely sweet music, a wonderful trio!
Brian Conway, Sligo fiddler
“Terrific, pure drop Irish trad, with an contemporary Appalachian twist!”
Brian O'Donovan, WGBH
Want New Leaf to play for your event? Contact us now!
New England and New York
413-387-8221