Heard the one about two Irishmen, an American and Englishman?

Track Dogs return to ACE Space, Newbury on Friday.

Their dynamic fusion of styles from country to cajun, soul, gospel, Latin, jazz, Irish traditional folk and Appalachian was hugely enthusiastically received by the ACE Space audience back in February 2020, writes the St Nicholas' Road venue's Stephen Ottner. The N2 review said they were “as tight a unit as has ever appeared on the ACE Space stage”.

They would have been back sooner if “you-know-what” hadn’t disrupted things somewhat.

Track Dogs is made up of two Irishmen, an American and Englishman. If you now expect a punchline, there isn’t one but there is an unexpected twist – they are based in Madrid. Perhaps the Spanish sun and culture is, in part at least, responsible for their sunshiny songs that thrive on dark themes, delivered with irresistible rhythms. Between them, the guys play guitar, trumpet, horns, mandolin, ukulele, bass, banjo and all manner of percussion and their four-part vocal harmonies are just glorious.

Since their previous appearance at ACE Space Track Dogs have established themselves as a festival favourite. They have also combined with Phil Beer and Steve Knightley of Show of Hands for a tour and festivals which was greeted with critical acclaim.

They have also recently released their new album “Where To Now?” on which they are joined by 12 distinguished guests, including Banter who will be at ACE Space in February. This current UK tour is a very short one with only five gigs, so the ACE Space team feel particularly honoured that Track Dogs chose to include ACE Space. It also means that tickets are in high demand.

Doors open 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Tickets are £14 and available from www.WeGotTicket.com or direct by contacting events@acespace.org.uk or 078911 76940.