The Dark Well Project

Enda Scahill and Joel Andersson
Irish music on banjo and harmonica

The old well squats, black-mouthed, its water a slap of iron and moss, daring you to drink.
Banjo and harmonica, those rough-edged strays, scrabble back from their own dark sump-fringe voices, keening and clawing, their notes like flint struck hard against the silence. The well gouges deep, hauling their wild racket into the world.
This album is designed to be a sonic punch in the face - brute as a spade's bite, sharp as the wind's curse through thorns. Sip it or drown.

Introducing
The Dark Well

Two masters of their craft, Enda Scahill and Joel Andersson, come together to create something never before heard—a full album of Irish music on banjo and harmonica, a world-first recording that reimagines the tradition with breathtaking virtuosity and innovation.

Enda Scahill – A Banjo Icon

Enda Scahill is one of the most influential figures in the world of Irish banjo, known for his flawless technique, deep musicality, and trailblazing approach to the instrument. Founder of We Banjo 3, Enda has pushed the boundaries of banjo music, blending tradition with modern artistry. He is a winner of the prestigious Steve Martin Banjo Prize and is widely regarded as one of the greatest Irish banjo players of all time.

Joel Andersson – The Harmonicas Behind the Masters

Joel Andersson, founder of J.A. Harmonicas is the world’s #1 custom harmonica builder—his instruments are played by some of the biggest names in blues, jazz, and beyond. But he’s more than just a master craftsman; he’s an extraordinary player, bringing an unparalleled depth of tone, expression, and technical brilliance to the harmonica in a way never before heard in Irish music.

A World-First Recording

The Dark Well is the first full album ever recorded featuring Irish music on banjo and harmonica—but this is far from a traditional duet album. Instead, it expands the boundaries of Irish music by drawing in world-class guest musicians from across the globe, creating a sound that is rich, dynamic, and deeply immersive.

The Well Dwellers
Featured Guests in The Dark Well:

Simon Crehan ( One of the hottest up and coming guitarists in Irish music today)
Utsav Lal (NYC jazz pianist, “the Raga Pianist”)
Francesco Turrisi (Italian percussion virtuoso, Grammy-winning collaborator of Rhiannon Giddens)
Ross Holmes (Texan fiddler, Mumford & Sons, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band)
Jason Sypher (Japan-based double bass genius, Rhiannon Giddens)
Jacob Jolliff (Virtuoso mandolinist from New York)
Andy Thorn (Clawhammer banjo with Leftover Salmon)
Mary Frances Leahy (Daughter of Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy)
Paul McClure (Bodhran with Galvian Way)

A Ground Breaking Collaboration of
Irish Banjo & Harmonica