Band with Offaly connections recording new album in Zac Brown's Nashville studio

Acclaimed Irish bluegrass band JigJam is back in the studio, recording their upcoming album at Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Studio in Nashville.

JigJam's founding members from Offaly include Jamie McKeogh from Durrow (Lead singer and guitar) and Daithi Melia from Kilcormac (5 String Banjo and Dobro), who were joined by Tipperary-born Gavin Strappe (Mandolin and Tenor Banjo) in 2016. They were later joined by Kevin Buckley (Fiddle) to make up an iGrass (Irish Bluegrass) quartet.

Brown extended the invitation to JigJam after meeting the group at a festival last year. The historic studio has hosted legendary artists including Kris Kristofferson, Larry Gatlin, Kacey Musgraves, Dwight Yoakam, and The Foo Fighters.

The upcoming project features a lineup of standout guest artists including Lindsay Lou, Sister Sadie, Johnny Mullenax, Rob Ickes, with more to be announced. The new music is being produced by Joe Egan, who has worked with Hozier, Gavin James, Bressie and more.

“Getting to record at such an iconic studio has been really special,” said lead singer Jamie McKeogh. “We’ve been delighted to get to record with some incredible guests. We can’t wait to share the magic with everyone soon.”

This marks a packed touring season for JigJam, whose 2025 summer schedule includes appearances at top-tier festivals across North America.

Highlights include Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, Blissfest, Blueberry Music Festival, and Walnut Valley Festival, among others.

The band recently played to a packed crowd at DelFest, sharing the bill with the likes of Sierra Ferrell, The Travelin’ McCourys, The Del McCoury Band, and The California Honeydrops.