The squeeze box is a so-called diatonic instrument, i.e. there is halve a note difference between the compressing and expanding movement, which is comparable with a mouth-organ. You can imagine this requires some special training. Furthermore the setting is fixed, which means that Bert Hobo, our squeeze box player, used a specific squeeze box for certain songs (pass me the 'C').

The bodhrán is a typical Irish drum, measuring on average approx 40-60 cm in diameter. It's is open on one side and fitted with a cross brace. The drumhead of the bodhrán is made of goatskin or calfskin. By exercising pressure with the hand on the inside of the head, the pitch can be changed. The drum is played using a stick measuring 15-25 cm, with a head on each side. The rhythm can be single or double. The repertoire consists of beautiful traditional and modern ballads as well as melancholy and lively songs. A number of lyrics is slightly naughty, also caused by the preference of the Irish for booze. The songs often tell the story of the battle of the Irish fighting the English, the injustice, the poverty but also about love, the beauty of the country, the emigration to the United States and spirits of course. In order to extend the repertoire and get to know the Irish culture better, Paddy's Passion stays a week in Ireland each year. We are frequently invited to play in pubs, often together with local musicians. It is striking that in most pubs just Jigs and Reels are played and that the interest in vocal performances seems to be limited, which is often regretted by the Irish themselves.