Article Contributed by Scott Kepnes
Published on 2026-09-25
Jim Larkin | Somerville, Massachusetts- photos by Scott Kepnes
Longtime Boston sideman and multi-instrumentalist Jim Larkin celebrated the release of his debut album, As Far as You Know, with an all-star cast of Boston musicians at The Burren in Somerville, Massachusetts, on Saturday, September 5.
The weather was perfect for a Saturday night in Davis Square, as an eager audience packed the Irish pub’s back-room concert venue, with many arriving early for dinner. The stage was set for a full band, and the mood was exciting from the start. The evening would be filled with live music and songs drawing from country-blues, soulful folk, reggae, and American roots music.
Boston-area singer-songwriter Jesse Dee opened the evening with a set of his original songs, including “Slow Down” from his 2008 album Bittersweet Batch. Playing solo for most of his set, Jesse was then joined by drummer Matt “Pie” Beaulieu.
The stage was then filled with an impressive group of musicians from the Boston music scene.
Jim Larkin, on guitar and vocals, was joined by keyboardist Noah Gibney, bassist Jim Haggerty, percussionist Yahuba José Garcia-Torres, drummer Derek Hayden, and guitarist Charlie O’Neal.
Along with Jim’s captivating guitar playing and singing, each of the band members showcased their talents with solid playing and solos throughout the evening.
Jim opened his set with the Wood Brothers’ “Luckiest Man,” followed by a collection of songs that reflected his musical influences as well as those from his new album.
Special guests Brothers McCann—Pat McCann, Mike McCann, and Erik White—joined the stage, providing powerful backing vocals for Jim’s song “Wonder,” which was the evening’s first tune from the new album.
Additional special guest singer-songwriter Danielle Miraglia joined the Brothers, adding vocals to “Ode to Toad,” a New Orleans-infused number dedicated to The Burren’s sister music club up the street, which featured a dual percussion solo between Yahuba and Derek Hayden.
Danielle Miraglia and Erik White returned to the stage for a beautiful version of Tim Gearan’s “Last Time I Saw Her.”
The evening fittingly concluded with the title track, “As Far as You Know,” with Jim Larkin and the full ensemble—the Brothers McCann and Danielle Miraglia—all on stage with Jim and the band.
The evening was not only a record-release celebration but also a birthday bash marking Jim’s 50th birthday.
A well-deserved standing ovation followed, with a room full of enthusiastic fans.
The album As Far as You Know is available on all streaming platforms. Check out Jim Larkin’s website at jimlarkin.com.
“Luckiest Man” — The Wood Brothers
“When I Go Away” — Levon Helm
“Mountain Annie” — Fruition
“Have You No Shame” — Donnie McCormick and Tommy Carlisle
“Theresa” — Dennis Brennan
“Wonder” — Jim Larkin
“Can I Sleep in Your Arms” — Willie Nelson
“I’m Troubled” — Traditional
“Printer Needs Paper” — Jim Larkin
“Ode to Toad” — Jim Larkin
“Fishing Blues” — Chris Smith
“Gone” — Laith Al-Saadi
“When” — Jim Larkin
“Last Time I Saw Her” — Tim Gearan
“As Far as You Know” — Jim Larkin
