Cup
O’Joe is a progressive bluegrass and folk band founded in Northern
Ireland by three siblings Tabitha, Benjamin and ReubenAgnew, later joined by
Tabitha’s husband David Benedict. Their unique mix of
original compositions and re-imagined traditional songs paired with their
lively performances has given them a growing presence in the acoustic music
scene surrounding Ireland, The United Kingdom, Mainland Europe, and beyond.

Their
quartet lineup features tight sibling harmonies, tasteful arrangements,
compelling originals and virtuosic solos. Tabitha Benedict brings her unique style
of banjo playing and delicate vocals to the group, which were both recognised
by the IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association). She holds the 2020
Momentum Instrumentalist of the Year Award. Her sensitive and tasteful touch on
both banjo and lead vocals blends effortlessly with her bandmates. Reuben Agnew’s phrenetic guitar
breaks, rhythmic drive, and unwavering vocals make him another pillar of this
group’s sound. Both Tabitha and Reuben are songwriters with a rare
understanding of their own creations and what they want the listener to
hear. David
Benedict,
the newest addition to the group, is a mandolin player of the first order. His
leading style of playing is described as “thoughtful, elegant and tastefully
complex.” Winner of the IBMA Momentum Award for Mandolin in 2018, his mandolin
playing is intricately sophisticated, while also being well established in the
deep understanding of the instrument's heritage and early sounds. He plays like
he has been with the group since the very start, slotting in on the backbeat
effortlessly. Benjamin Agnew beats out the all-important bass
tones and lead vocals–oftentimes giving the impression he wandered on to stage
by accident, but flawlessly holding the backbone of the music. 

This
band has toured extensively in Ireland, The UK and Europe. Cup O’Joe have made
their name known among the folk and bluegrass circuit internationally, with
appearances at Celtic Connections, IBMA in North Carolina, and the Omagh
Bluegrass Festival in their neighbouring county. In 2015 the band were runners
up in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Awards, as well as being the first youth band
to showcase at IBMA in Raleigh, North Carolina. They have not only made a name
for themselves on the touring circuit, but have also appeared in several BBC
television documentaries. Some of these have included Burns Night 2019 at
Titanic Belfast with Aly Bain, Phil Cunnigham, and Eddi Reader, as well as
taking part in the televised series “Sam Henry: Songs of the People.''

In
January 2020 they released In The Parting which features
nine original songs and one reimagined traditional song from their native
Ulster. This new album embodies their fresh new original sounds of progressive
bluegrass and Irish folk roots. For several tracks they are joined on fiddle by
Niall Murphy (Breaking Trad, Cara Dillon, Nathan Carter) as well as Josh Clark,
Dave Molloy and Eilidh Patterson.

Most
recently they have released their first collection of Christmas songs, in their
five-track EP, Christmas Kin. This short but sweet collection
displays a refreshing take on several holiday favourites including In The Bleak
Midwinter and Holly Jolly
Christmas,
as well as the traditional carols Sussex Carol and The Holly Bears a
Berry.

"They
make a truly gorgeous sound and play with such intuition as only a family can
do.” – Cara Dillon

“Imagine
what these young artists will accomplish before they’re done” – Bluegrass Today