Poor Man's Gambit was formed in 2015 and hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. The trio has released 3 albums, completed two international tours, and has been noted as an increasingly popular Irish-American group.
Featuring Fiddle, Button Accordion, Guitar, Bodhran, Whistle, Cittern, Flute, Vocals, and Dance, this trio brings together diverse musical backgrounds which complement the other's musical styles both on stage and in the studio. With two multi-instrumentalists in the line-up, PMG has been noted for their ability to change instrumentation many times over the space of a performance, and offer several levels of musical depth to listening ears. The addition of Corey's flashy footwork on the occasional reel adds an extra punch of energy for audiences already enraptured by the music.
The trio's latest album 'Land of Sunshine' showcases a carefully selected offering of spirited tunes balanced with an equal number of expressively performed songs. Most of the repertoire is rooted in Irish traditions, but some pulls from other provincial influences including England, Brittany, and Scotland, in addition to several original compositions also included in the collection.
Deirdre Lockman
Fiddle and Vocals
Deirdre (fiddle, vocals) has been pursuing her passion for Irish music and dance since the age of four when she was first introduced to the fiddle. Born into a musical family, she was soon performing with her family band, in addition to numerous orchestras and ensembles including the Junior String Philharmonic, and the Lehigh University Philharmonic Orchestra. A quick study, Deirdre began competing in fiddle competitions at an early age, and holds several regional fiddle titles.
Deirdre began Irish step-dancing at the age of 5, and competed at the regional and national level with the DeNogla School of Irish Dance out of New Jersey for eleven years, before focusing her full attention on traditional music.
In addition to her work with PMG, Deirdre offers private fiddle lessons to students in the greater Philadelphia area. You can learn more through her personal site here: www.deirdreviolin.weebly.com
Corey Purcell
Button Accordion, Cittern, Bodhran, Vocals, and Dance
Having been introduced to Irish culture at a very young age, Corey quickly grew to love the Irish music and dance which surrounded him. Advancing rapidly through the ranks of the competitive Irish dancing scene, Corey soon found himself on the National, then World stage of competition. After competing for 14 years, and discovering that he preferred his own artistic and rhythmic approach to the strict form required by the judges, Corey transitioned from competitions to stage productions and performance. He has danced with several notable bands including the esteemed Irish group Danú.
Corey’s journey to traditional music began when he was 16, and started teaching himself tunes on the Irish style button accordion which he bought himself for his birthday. Progressing quickly, he was soon studying under 7-time All Ireland Champion John Whelan, and began honing his technique under John's tutelage. Corey found his true calling in traditional Irish music, and rapidly branched into other instruments including cittern, bodhran, and voice.
Corey's 2023 solo release ‘Undaunted’ had the distinction of debuting at #11 on the acclaimed International Folk Charts, earning him recognition in the wider world of folk than his traditional roots would have led many to anticipate.
You can learn more about Corey at his personal site - coreypurcellmusic.com
Joseph Carmichael
Guitar, Whistle, Flute, and Vocals
Joseph Carmichael, originally from Dallas, TX., is known for his unique approach to accompaniment within the traditional Celtic and folk genres.
Joseph was born into a musical family, and began his journey composing on his family's computer, before being drawn to Irish music as a teenager. He is mostly self-taught, and in summers of 2011 and 2013 attended the Burwell Bash, learning under Brian Finnegan (Flook).
Through his free-thinking, sometimes considered “jazzy” chords, and ability to draw from multiple styles, Joseph has established a strong reputation as an accompanist in the traditional music scene in the US and abroad, his guitar work being featured on a track of Brian Finnegan's 2021 solo release ‘Hunger of the Skin’.
Currently, Joseph is working to complete his debut solo album, “Desiderium” which is set to release in early 2024. You can learn more about Joseph through his bandcamp site here - https://josephcarmichael.bandcamp.com/