Amhrán Gach Lá - Declan DeBarra

If I could, I'd write about Declan DeBarra every week because he is just that damn good at what he does. As Friday is covers day on the blog I'm sharing a video of Declan performing the Irish Ballad 'Wind The Shakes The Barley' written by poet Robert Dwyer Joyce.



Listen to a recorded version on Declan's Soundcloud page here: http://soundcloud.com/declandebarra

http://www.declandebarra.com/

Amhrán Gach Lá - Land Lovers

Land Lovers are releasing their second album entitled 'Confidants' this Friday with a gig in Crawdaddy with support from Squarehead and The Last Days of 1984.

The band have three songs from 'Confidants' on their Soundcloud page for streaming with 'As Low as Possible' being the best of them:

03 As Low As Possible by LandLovers

More info: http://www.landloversmusic.com/

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Lonely Schizophrenic

The Lonely Schizophrenic have called it a day and are planning to go out with a bang this Saturday night in the Bleecker Street Cafe Bar.

Kicking off at 8.30 this coming Saturday (Bleecker Street Cafe Bar) for the last gig we have Keith O Brien, The Guilty Folk, Cíara Ní Raimór, Grace Wilde and Alan Marshall with The Lonely Schizophrenic finishing off the night. Its free in and they claim it's going to be mental and mad sexy.



The Lonely Schizophrenic - Rest in Pieces by 2uibestow

The Spirit of Folk Review

The ethos of The Spirit of Folk festival which took place last weekend on the grounds of Dunderry Park near Navan was about Folk in all it's spiritual formats. It was billed as a festival which would bring together folk music with folklore, storytelling with archaeology and arts with spirituality. The Spirit of Folk festival brought all these aspects of Folk to life and enabled the igniting of a wonderful rustic community not normally found at festivals.


For this review I can only write about the bands I seen. I wasn't able to attend on the Friday and missed many of the headliners on Saturday. However most of this review is about more than the music!


When the young folk band Traz kicked off proceedings on the Saturday afternoon the Sun was alive and the band provided a nice soundtrack while leisurely relaxing on the main field. Their original songs were very pleasant and they made the cover tracks including Villagers 'Meaning of the Ritual' their own!

Weather Change by TrazMusic


Traz were followed by the winner of the 'What The Folk' band competition 'David Hope'. While his music is always entertaining the between song banter was met with approval and laughter from the sizable crowd sunning themselves on the field outside the music tent. I was delighted he played 'Daybreak Somewhere' as it's one of the best Irish songs ever written!

Daybreak Someplace by David Hope


Peter Delaney followed David Hope with his Ukulele in hand! While I still find the Ukulele a limited pleasure; Peter's fine lyrics and vocals held my attention throughout his set.


O, Great Father Ocean by Peter Delaney

Peter was followed by Lisa McLaughlin who was joined by a lead guitarist for the first time. Lisa's songs were engrossing and her vocals are amazing. The added layer of the lead guitars gave a nice lift to the songs.

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At this stage I took a break from the music to explore all the other amazing attractions the festival had to offer. My kids were treated with an amazing talk about the Vikings Medieval Ireland in the 'living village' area. They also took part in Clown school in the Kids Area, a Conker Competition in the Games Tent as well as attending the Storytelling in the Cairn. The highlights for them and me were the 30 minute Battle Re-enactment which was a spectacular exhibition and the amazing array of 'Birds of Prey' on display. That Saturday afternoon was an enriching experience for me and my three children.

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On Saturday evening St. John the Gambler brought life back into the music stage with a savage set which had adults and kids up dancing.

Why Do You Do What You Do? by saintjohnthegambler


The final act for us to see on the Saturday evening was The Young Folk. Their amazing set proves to me that they are one of Ireland's most accomplished and talented bands with a set-list of great tunes. I loved their live version of 'Sad Day'.

Arthur Furey & The Young Folk - Sad Day by DamnPIK

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Rain swept Sunday arrives and The Spirit of Folk community is holding strong with most activities going as planned. I missed 'Arrow in the Sky' but we made it in time to see Mayo man Seamus Fogarty. I was engrossed by the performance because the music made by Seamus along with his vocal style is quite unique. There were some excellent songs performed while some went off on long tangents!

By the Waterside by seamus fogarty


Donegal's Kloe Humm was up next and her performance was excellent. The bluesy folk style isn't something that would appeal greatly to me but some of the tracks were really good including this one 'Stone Cold Sober':

Stone cold sober by Kloe Humm feat Gerry Kelly by Kloe Humm


Dublin's six piece 'Prairie Dawgs' brought their bluegrass sounds to the stage with a set of new songs off their soon to be released second album. A highlight for me was a Johnny Cash/June Carter inspired new song which showcase the band's quality vocals.


I caught the last few songs of Mossy Nolan and wow. It was the performance of the weekend. Mossy's vocals were spectacular and his style reminds me of Andy Irvine and his Planxty days.

The last band for me at the festival were Galways amazing world folk band 'Fling'. I love when they get into the traditional jigs and then they follow it up with a Dylanesque folk balled!

Ballyshannon Bends by Fling


Bands info & links here: http://spiritoffolk.com/festival-music-programme

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The Spirit of Folk was a wonderful festival. I feel that the community ignited at the festival will continue to be strong for next year and the festival has the potential to be bigger and expand if they see fit. I'd love for it to be scheduled a little earlier in the year. In fact I'd love it if it was scheduled on the same weekend as one of the bigger commercial festivals to give people a nice alternative anti-commercial choice.


For a great insight into the festival check out the Myles O'Reilly directed video below featuring Traz performing Bon Ivor's 'For Emma'.



http://www.arbutusyarns.com/

Amhrán Gach Lá - Joe Echo

Former Leya frontman Joe Echo [aka Ciaran Gibbons] is putting his solo career on hold to become the new frontman of INXS! That's not a bad gig is it? Here's a reminder of how good the songs of Joe Echo are!

Joe Echo: The Heart That Knows Desire by CultureNI

Read more about the INXS story: http://www.irishecho.com.au/2011/09/27/inxs-reveal-new-irish-frontman/12696

Amhrán Gach Lá - Annette Buckley

It's great that Cork's wonderfully talented Annette Buckley is being given an opportunity to get her songs heard by a new audience when she supports Jamie Lawson on his Irish tour.

Here's Jamie and Annette singing her song 'Whirlpool' from her debut album "The Ever Changing Colours of the Sea".




Tour Dates:

The Forum, Waterford, Fri Sept 30th, 8pm.
Monroes, Galway, Sat Oct 1st, 8pm.
Mariner Bar, Bantry, Fri Oct 7th, 8pm.
Porterhouse, Bray, Sat Oct 8th, 8pm.
Cyprus Avenue, Cork, Sun Oct 9th, 8pm.
Whelans, Dublin, Fri Oct 21st, 8pm.

http://www.annettebuckley.com/

Amhrán Gach Lá - Autumn Long

OK I've blogged about the Autumn Long single launch already but I'm really excited about the debut album that will be coming from Autumn Long in the Spring of 2012 that I'm going to repeat the message below!


AUTUMN LONG will launch it’s debut single, TEN MORE REASONS upstairs in Whelan’s of Wexford St. on the 29th September. The song is taken from the forthcoming self released debut album DROWN THE TRUTH, due for release in Spring 2012. Produced by Karl Odlum (The Frames, Fionn Regan, and Ham Sandwich), the album was recently mastered by Steve Rooke ( Paul McCartney, John Lennon, The last shadow puppets, Wilco) in Abbey Road.

I'm really looking forward to this gig on Thursday! Support from Jenny M! Also on the bill is an acoustic set from 3 members of Chayka

Have a listen to the single here:

Ten More Reasons by Autumnlong

Give the band an auld 'like'!

http://www.facebook.com/Autumnlongmusic

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Jimmy Cake

The Jimmy Cake joins this amazing line-up for an all day gig in Whelans tomorrow:

ALLIANCE: Independent Artists for Africa

A Benefit for the Concern Horn of Africa Crisis Appeal

Sunday Sep 25th

Doors 2pm til LATE



MAIN VENUE

The Former Soviet Republic 14:30-15:00

Sert One 15:15-15:45

Great Lakes Mystery 16:00-16:30

We Are Losers 16:45-17:15

Retarded Cop 17:30-18:00

Funeral Suits 18:15-18:45

BREAK – Front Bar – Little Green Cars

Alarmist 19:45-20:15

Spies 20:30-21:00

Tieranniesaur 21:15-21:45

The Jimmy Cake 22:00-22:45

ASIWYFA 23:00-00:00

Patrick Kelleher 00:20-01:00

UPSTAIRS

White Collar Boy 19:35-20:00

Reid 20:10-20:45

Soil Creep 20:55-21:20

Moths 21:30-22:00

Angkorwat 22:15-22:45

Daithi 23:00-23:30

Toby Kaar 23:30-00:10

The Last Days of 1984 00:20-00:45


I love the music The Jimmy Cake makes, it's a folky instrumental music that never leaves me craving vocals! http://www.thejimmycake.com/

Limestone Tiger by The Jimmy Cake

Amhrán Gach Lá - Glen Hansard

The cover song on Friday honours the passing of REM as one of the best bands ever. When I think of all the songs I love from REM including Country Feedback, Turn You Inside Out, The One I Love, Drive, Walk Unafraid, .... the list is endless. One of the best songs from the album 'Green' is this song Hairshirt which Glen Hansard regularly performed during the last Swell Season tour of the US. Here he is performing in Atlanta the REM classic 'Hairshirt':




Glen is halfway through his European solo tour:

23 Sept Parterre (SOLD OUT) Basel Switzerland with Ollie Cole
24 Sept Parterre (SOLD OUT) Basel Switzerland with Ollie Cole
26 Sept St Pauls within the walls
Tickets: http://www.ticketone.it/ and http://www.greenticket.it/ Rome Italy
28 Sept Porgy & Bess Vienna Austria with Mark Geary
04 Oct Festsaal Kreuzberg Berlin Germany with Mark Geary
06 Oct CAT Barcelona Spain with Mark Geary

Amhrán Gach Lá - Lisa Hannigan

It's Lisa's time to go global. If this song is any indication of the quality of Lisa Hannigan's second album then I want to buy it!

Video for Lisa Hannigan's Knots - taken from forthcoming album 'Passenger'.

Directed by Myles O'Reilly - www.arbutusyarns.com.




Buy the album here:

http://www.towerrecords.ie/product/Hannigan,lisa_Passenger%5Bdigi%5D/526784

Amhrán Gach Lá - Senakah [aka Seneca]

Senakah the new name for Limerick's Seneca are headlining October's 'Live at Boyles' the sessions gig I organise in Boyles, Slane.

Senakah are close to releasing their second album 'Human Relations' produced by Noel Hogan from The Cranberries. Here's a track from that album

Down To Today by Senakah (Worlds of Wayne Podcast) by noelhogansoloprojects


http://www.facebook.com/seneca.ireland

Introducing: A Mix of New Irish Bands #3

Here's the best of the new music that's come into my life over the last week or two beginning with the wonderful Miriam Donohue:


Miriam Donahue:

Quirky lyrics, pleasant vocals and buckets of charm sum up Miriam Donohue's style. I know I'll be writing about Miriam for years to come!



http://www.miriamd.com/

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The Dirty Valentines:


The jury is still out on The Dirty Valentines. The music doesn't excite me but I can only imagine how good this band is live! Oh and apparently Krist Novoselic commented favourably on one of their YouTube videos!

Download their debut EP entitled '21st Century Dandies' here:




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St. John the Gambler

Last week I had the great pleasure of watching the hugely talented Dublin band St. John The Gambler. The Mexican sound along with the wonderful double bass and trumpet were outstanding. St. John

Why Do You Do What You Do? by saintjohnthegambler


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Roisin & The Beards

Róisín & The Beards is a multicultural musical collective based in Leipzig,Germany.
When Dublin born singer songwriter Róisín Ní Leathlóbhair decided to move back to Leipzig in 2010 she had to leave behind her bearded band and begin the search for new musicians in Leipzig.
Róisín & The Beards are currently recording their debut album which is set to be released in Germany, Ireland and online in Spring 2012.

The first single is Lightheart and the video is below:




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Hunters Edge

Hailing from Navan, Hunters Edge have built up a decent reputation for their alternative rock anthems and live performances. Their debut EP is almost ready for release. Until then the band have put a few tunes onto YouTube including this Bullitproof.




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Lou McMahon

Clare's Lou McMahon is an exceptional vocalist who writes seriously good contemporary songs. Here's the best of the songs from here debut EP entitled Delicate Dancer.

01 A River 1 by loumcmahon


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Liamo & The Prodigals

Liamo & The Prodigals are another Navan band who are also making friends and fans through every gig they do. They play Boyles, Slane on October 6th!

Amhrán Gach Lá - Padraig McCauley & The P Affection

Padraig McCauley & The P Affection are gigging in The Grand Social this Sunday afternoon in what looks like one of the best Saucy Sunday Line-ups in it's year in operation:


COLD COMFORT
http://breakingtunes.com/coldcomfort

PETER (SPACE INVASION) KEOGH
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN75syvNvP0

PETER PUREHEART
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKyNa7cJImc

THE P AFFECTION
http://www.thepaffection.com/

GYPSY REBEL RABBLE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXMgGxKuaeo&feature=related

DELLA MANNION
http://www.myspace.com/dellamannion

ERIC McGRATH
http://ericmcgrathmusic.com/

EASY BOUY

HUGH TAGGART & BAND
http://www.myspace.com/560652245


I can't believe Pagraig's album is just six or seven months old. The album is great and this song is one of the best singles of the year:


Worries Of The World by thepaffection

Download the album for free from here:

http://freeirishalbums.wordpress.com/2011/09/18/padraig-mccauley-the-p-affection-album/

Amhrán Gach Lá - Maria Byrne

London based Corkonian Maria Byrne is preparing the release of her debut album due out next month. She's an artist getting radio play from Jo Whiley (BBC Radio 2), Tom Robinson (BBC 6 Music) and recently from BBC1s Huw Stephens. I've already had many listens of the album and there are some amazing tracks on there including this tune which I love:

Winter - Maria Byrne & The Broken String by maria_byrne




Tour Dates:

Communion @ Notting Hill Arts Club (Single Launch)
Sunday, October 2 at 8:00pm

Album Launch - Whelans (upstairs) with Maeve Higgins
Thursday, October 27 at 8:00pm

Magpies nest Folk Rising @ Cecil Sharpe House
Thursday, November 24 at 8:00pm

Maria Byrne & The Broken String (& guests) - The Sirius Arts Centre, Cobh
Friday, December 2 at 8:00pm


Loving the CD covers:

http://www.facebook.com/mariabyrnemusic

http://mariabyrne.com/

Amhrán Gach Lá - Damien Dempsey [Dublin - Kerry Special]

The nation got a great lift yesterday with the wonderful Rugby win over the Aussies in the World Cup. Today it's the turn of Dublin and Kerry to bring some much needed celebration and cheer into our lives!

Here's Damien Dempsey & friends with a Dublin anthem: True Blue

True Blue (Dublin Through and Through) by Sonic recording studios

Written by John Healy, Toddy Griffin and Pat Good.
Produced by Pat Good and Liam Kennedy

Engineered By Al Cowan At Sonic Recording Studios, Stoneybatter Dublin.

Damien Dempsey - Vocals
Frances Black - Vocals
Aoife Scott - Vocals
John Sheahan - Whistle and Violin
Barney McKenna - Banjo -Vocals
Doc Savage - Bass guitar and vocals
Liam Kennedy - Mandolin and vocals
Toddy Griffin - Guitar and vocals
John Healy - Guitar and vocals
Pat Good - Gazuki and Vocals

Amhrán Gach Lá - Little Xs For Eyes

I remember back in 2007 hearing 'Little Xs For Eyes' on Phantom FM all the time and assuming they weren't Irish. Maybe it was because it sounded so refreshing and bursting with happy melodies. Anyway while writing a post for my other blog http://freeirishalbums.wordpress.com/ I began to listen to the band's debut EP from 2007 and fell in love with the lyrics to this song 'Rubble of Love'.




http://www.facebook.com/littlexsforeyes

Amhrán Gach Lá - Colin Devlin

A bit of disappointing news for The Devlins in that their Vicar Street gig on September 30th has been moved to The Button Factory. This is a massive shame as The Devlins have a great back catalogue and are great performers live.

Here's a video of Colin Devlin performing Roxy Music's Slave to Love on Today FM.




Buy Tickets for The Devlins at The Button Factory here:
http://www.ticketmaster.ie/event/1800472DD5E25445?artistid=932708&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1

Amhrán Gach Lá - Jupe

I had the pleasure of seeing this band a few weeks back and I was very impressed. They have a great bassist and a hugely entertaining frontman and vocalist.


Here's the video to their new single 'Get Up':




The single is launched this Saturday in the Academy 2, Dublin

http://www.facebook.com/JupeBand

Amhrán Gach Lá - Clara Rose

Here's a very worthwhile gig to attend on Saturday 24th Sept!

I've been checking out Clara Rose's folk bluesy sound recently and I've been really impressed. Reminds me of Lucinda Williams without the husky voice!

Clara Rose - Sex And Music by RisingStars

http://www.clararosemusic.com/


http://www.swanlane.ie/

Amhrán Gach Lá - David Hope

Last night David Hope became the last music act confirmed for the very last music festival in Ireland; The Spirit of Folk festival running from 23-25 September in the stunning grounds of Dunderry Park, Co Meath. David was the successful winner of the What The Folk? competition that was run on Monday evenings in The Workmans Club, Dublin.

Here's one of the song's David performed last night: 'See The Ghost'

See The Ghost by David Hope

http://www.facebook.com/davidhopesings

David joins this list of wonderful acts for a weekend of great music:

Gay Woods,
Lisa O'Neill,
Dr. Strangey Strange,
Rhob Cunningham,
Owensie,
The Young Folk,
The Hot Sprockets,
Fiach,
Joy Booth,
Arrow in the Sky,
Wicker Bones,
Lisa McLoughlin,
Saint John The Gambler,
Peter Delaney,
Gordon Reeves,
Seamus Fogerty,
The Praire Dawgs,
Fling,
The Viking Project,
..... and more .... http://spiritoffolk.com/festival-music-programme



Here's a cool promo video for the festival:

Amhrán Gach Lá - Aaron Shanley

Aaron Shanley does the singer-songwriter gig so well on his new single 'Try to Forget About Me'. We have pleasant lead vocals aided with female harmonies over an inoffensive gentle guitar rift with in depth lyrics. This is a great tune!




Directed by Darren Lee
Maverick Renegade Productions
www.maverickrenegade.net


http://www.facebook.com/aaronshanley


Aaron is touring the UK & Ireland over the next few months beginning with an EP launch in Belfast on Wednesday:

14th September - EP LAUNCH @ Black Box, Belfast UK
30th September - Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich UK

6th October - Boyles of Slane with Kiernan McMullan & Seneca

21st October - McHughs, Belfast UK
6th November - Empire, Leeds UK
7th November - Blue Cat, Manchester UK
8th November - Leaf, Liverpool UK
9th November - TBA, Bristol UK
10th November - Guava, Southampton UK
16th November - The Beford, London UK
18th November - The Regal Room, London UK
Dec 30th – Jan 2nd - Isle of Skye Hogmanay Hooley

Amhrán Gach Lá - Odi

I don't think there's a better tune from an Irish artist about New York City than this track 'Leaving My Love in New York' by Odi which appeared on her 2009 debut album 'Maslow's Songbook'.


Odi - Leaving My Love In New York by 2uibestow

Photo Credit: Flickr/Barry Yanowitz

Amhrán Gach Lá - Frantic Jack

Frantic Jack must be one of the hardest working bands in Ireland. Just by looking at their huge tour of Ireland between now and Christmas it is clear these guys have the ambition to go the distance!

Here's a great tune from their debut album 'Independence' released in the Summer of 2010.

02 Vancouver by FranticJack

Tour Dates:

10.Sep.2011 Four Son's Edenderry Offaly
17.Sep.2011 Murtaghs Carrick On Shannon Leitrim
23.Sep.2011 The Kings Head Galway City Galway
24.Sep.2011 The Spout Kilcullen Kildare
01.Oct.2011 The Grand Hotel Tramore Waterford
02.Oct.2011 Crossbar Mullingar Westmeath
08.Oct.2011 Waxies Athboy Meath
14.Oct.2011 The Kings Head Galway City Galway
15.Oct.2011 Judge Roy Beans Newbridge Kildare
30.Oct.2011 Four Son's Edenderry Offaly
11.Nov.2011 The Kings Head Galway City Galway
26.Nov.2011 The Grand Hotel Tramore Waterford
02.Dec.2011 The Kings Head Galway City Galway
03.Dec.2011 Four Son's Edenderry Offaly
09.Dec.2011 Goban Saor Kildare Town Kildare
10.Dec.2011 Crossbar Mullingar Westmeath
16.Dec.2011 Judge Roy Beans Newbridge Kildare
23.Dec.2011 Crossbar Mullingar Westmeath
26.Dec.2011 Judge Roy Beans Newbridge Kildare
30.Dec.2011 Murtaghs Carrick On Shannon Leitrim


Not on the list is their appearance at this month's Purple Sessions in Boyles! Here's the poster for that gig on Friday September 30th:

Amhrán Gach Lá - James Vincent McMorrow

The people behind James Vincent McMorrow need to be commended big time. Instead of focusing all their energy on Ireland James Vincent McMorrow has gone from strength to strength in the international music markets and as a result is on the way to being a major artist in his homeland.

Photo Credit: Brendan Shanley ( @lostinprint )


His people have allowed the blogs to share this amazing cover version of 'Higher Love' by Steve Winwood. James Vincent McMorrow makes the song his own and t showcase his wonderful vocals.

James Vincent McMorrow - "Higher Love" (Steve Winwood Cover) by @indierockgirl


Song uploaded for http://theocmd.com/ the Obsessive Compulsive Music Disorder Blog!





North American Tour details:

09/09 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom

09/10 – Boston, MA @ Bright Music Hall

09/11 – Montreal, QC @ Sala

09/13 – Toronto, ON @ Elmo

09/15 – Chicago, IL @ Hideout

09/16 – Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall

09/17 – Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center

09/20 – Vancouver, BC @ Media Club

09/21 – Seattle, WA @ Triple Door

09/23 – San Francisco, CA @ Slim’s

09/24 – Los Angeles, CA @ Bootleg


http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com/

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Minutes

A third time for The Minutes to be my 'Amhrán Gach Lá' artist but this in celebration of some great news from Other Voices.

Here's The Minutes performing 'Fleetwood' for the Other Voices TV programme last year.




Great news for Irish bands number 1: Other Voices has just sold to GlassBOX Television in Canada for AUX TV. Raw, authentic and intimate the channel uncovers some of the best artists from rock to hip hop. AUX TV features music videos, live performances, movies, event documentaries, interviews and entertainment news. AUX is available in over 1.3 million households across Canada.

The series premieres in Canada on AUX TV Friday October 7, 2011 at 7pm EST


Great news 2: Other Voices NYC:

A Celebration of Music & Literature in le poisson rouge at 158 Bleecker Street NYC!

w/Glen Hansard (The Swell Season),
Bryce & Aaron Dessner (The National),
Doveman,
Laurie Anderson,
Sam Amidon,
Bell X1,
Iarla Ó Lionáird,
Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh,
Martin Hayes,
Joseph O'Connor,
Colum McCann,
Benefitting
FIGHTING WORDS
Creative Writing Centre and Presented by Imagine Ireland & The Burgundy Stain Sessions

Buy tickets here: http://lepoissonrouge.com/events/search?q=other+voices


This really is great news for our bands and for tourism in general!

Introducing: A Mix of New Irish Bands #2

I love my hobby! As a result of writing this blog for nearly three years there have been many artists 'Introducing' themselves to me and this increases with time. It does get difficult devoting time to each so from time to time I'm going to do a big post celebrating the new music that enters my life! Enjoy the music and be sure to like/follow/befriend the artists below!

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Our Krypton Son

I came across Derry's Our Krypton Son while writing about the upcoming IMRO showcase tour and fell in love with the song 'Sunlight in the Ashes'. It's simply gorgeous!

Sunlight In The Ashes by Our Krypton Son



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Myles Manley

Sligo's Myles Manley is an artist that I find very difficult to write positive comments about yet I'm drawn to his songs and lyrics. You've got to check out this tune!





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She's A Beauty

Maynooth band She's a Beauty releases their debut E.P, 'Champagne & Skittles' which was produced by Martin Healy of 'A House' fame. There's a lot going on in the 'She's A Beauty' sound and it's all good. The vocals are quality 'Jack l' style while the music varies from hard rock to jazz. An interesting mix by a talented band!



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Tenonsaw

Formed in 2009, Tenonsaw are an electronic/acoustic duo based in Fermoy in County Cork, Ireland.
"Beginnings" is their first release which is 16 songs recorded from 2009 to 2011 (15 demonstration recordings and one live performance) and released 01 September 2011. The sound is electronic fused with a folky sound with beautiful vocals.






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Moscow Metro

Moscow Metro from Limerick are another band I've discovered who sound really good. There's more to a nod to The National and Interpol but I don't care because 'Spirit of the City' sounds really good to me:

Spirit Of The City by Moscow Metro


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Kelvin Busher


Kelvin got in touch with me today about a possible review. The songs from the Galway artist on Soundcloud offer a contemporary sound which is brimming with charm.


Kelvin Busher, Mandeville Mp3 by kelvinbusher



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Vita

Niall Cuddy is an artist and musician living in Kinsale, Co. Cork, Ireland. In 2006 he formed Vita, albeit in his head. It's an interesting sound which will appeal to some of you I'm sure!




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Bona Fide Federation

I've saved the very best for last. Bona Fide Federation have three songs on their soundcloud page and they are superb tracks. I love the vocals, the strings, the harmonies, the energy. Just superb!

Night Train by bonafidefederation

Amhrán Gach Lá - Rhob Cunningham

Rhob Cunningham has a headline London Show w/ special guests John Smith & Erica Buettner on Monday 12th September where entry is just a fiver!

Rhob Cunningham is also playing support to Eoin Glackin and Dan Donnelly in London next Tuesday in another example of Irish artists hitting London and further afield to get much needed exposure!

Here's a great tune from Rhob Cunningham called 'Shelter from the Storm'.


Shelter from the storm by rhobcunningham


Full tour dates:


10 Sept - Harvest Festival, Suffolk (http://harvestatjimmys.com/music)

12 Sept - The Slaughtered Lamb, Islington, LONDON - HEADLINE SHOW
w/ special guests John Smith and Erica Buettner

13 Sept - The Social (near Oxford Circus, London) w/ Eoin Glacken & Dan Donnelly

14 Sept - Supporting David Lemaitre back at the Slaughtered Lamb in Islington

15 Sept - The Latest, Brighton

24 Sept - Spirit Of Folk Festival - Dunderry Park, Co Meath

Album Review: I Draw Slow - Redhills

I adore this charming Bluegrass album with a passion I reserve for a chosen few. I Draw Slow should be megastars in Ireland because of 'Redhills'

Filed under the category 'Bluegrass'; Dublin's I Draw Slow are an amazing band that I can't wait to see live. Their second album 'Redhills' mixes together folk music, Irish traditional arrangements, wonderful harmonies and charm to become a real contender for my album of the year. My favourite track by some way is the charming 'Goodbye Beulahland' which send shivers down my back on every listen. My favourite moment on the album is the outro of 'Meditation Waltz' in which the bassline performs the meditation waltz. Other highlights for me include the single 'Goldmine' and the excellent 'Honeymoon' featuring just guitar and vocals.


This brings me to the big selling point of 'Redhills' for me. While the music is wonderful it's the vocals of 'Louise Holden' along with the songs often heartfelt vocals which elevate the band and album to heights other bands rarely get near. I love the deep lyrics of songs like the already mentioned 'Goodbye Beulahland' where Louise sings about "... coming back to the heart of everything that is wrong in this world ...." and the sublime haunting lyrics of 'Cry Help'.


I've written before about the magic felt from finding the right album to connect with at the right time in your life. As this hobby [the blog] has developed through the years the magical connection occurs with more regular frequency and I have to come up with new adjectives to describe an album of majestic quality that is 'Redhills' by I Draw Slow. Somtimes I just wanna say it's fabulous ..... go out and find it, listen and adore!


I Draw Slow - Redhills [12 out of 12]


http://idrawslow.com/


I Draw Slow - Kingdom by Folk Radio UK


Check out the wonderful video for Goldmine:

Amhrán Gach Lá - Botched Fairytale

Longford duo Botched Fairytale have released their debut album which includes some really great gems among an album of harsh unlistenable songs.

Here's the best song from the free album found on Soundcloud and Bandcamp:

The Law of Gravity

The Law of Gravity by Botched Fairytale


If you do buy the CD the artwork is fantastic:

The album is also available on my new blog http://freeirishalbums.wordpress.com/ which aims to bring new fans to them artists who allow their music be heard for free!

Amhrán Gach Lá - Polly Barrett

Polly Barrett releases her debut single ‘Mr. Bookshop’ on the 16th Sep ‘11 and it's a gorgeouse folky pop song with superb vocals.

The official bio states: "Polly Barrett began her music career as a busker on the streets of Cork City. Her mellow, folksy songs and clear, easy voice reflect her love of nature and matters of the heart. Polly’s debut album entitled 'Mr. Bookshop' will be released on 28th October’11 and is set to cast her as the new jewel of acoustic folk-pop. Polly’s sound draws comparisons with songstresses such as Gillian Welch, Nanci Griffith, Kate Rusby and Mary Black while her writing is influenced by craft smiths like Joni Mitchell and John Martyn."

Sure why not give Polly's lead single a listen:

Polly Barrett - Mr Bookshop by 2uibestow

Like Polly on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Polly-Barrett-Music/108088589256392

http://www.reverbnation.com/pollybarrett

Amhrán Gach Lá - Barry McCormack

Whelanslive.com presents two intimate nights of wonderful folk music with
 Barry McCormack
Upstairs In Whelan’s

 7th September (solo show) + support from Gary Fitzpatrick
 14th September (full band show) + support from Minnie & The Illywhackers in support of his latest album 'Small Mercies'

I've been really enjoying listening to Barry's new album Small Mercies on Soundcloud. The former Jubilee Allstars frontman has a wonderful dark intimate voice which carries his thoughtful lyrics to great effect.


 Check out the title track here: 01-Small Mercies by Barry McCormack

 Buy The Album here or here: http://www.colmmccarthy.net/barrymccormack/mainsite/FrameSet.htm

Amhrán Gach Lá - Autumn Long

Autumn Long is Padraig Digan who I've mentioned a number of times on the blog over the years and his first single 'TEN MORE REASONS' is due for release on the 29th of September, with a launch night in Whelan's, Wexford St. Dublin.

Copied from his Breaking Tunes page: "The a line up consists of Leanne Doyle (Violin), Ruairí De Barra (Guitars), Michael Murphy (Bass) and Joe Digan (Drums), the band's huge sound is a unique blend of infectious songs with haunting melodies.

 Pádraig cut his teeth live over the last 10 years in venues across Ireland, the UK and Germany both supporting and playing along side the likes of Damien Rice, Glen Hansard, Lisa Hannigan, Ann Scott and Paddy Casey to name but a few."


 Autumn Long's debut album planned for release in the Spring of 2011 will be called 'Drown The Truth' and I know it'll be a great album. Until then here's the first single 'Ten More Reasons':


  Ten More Reasons by Autumnlong

 'Like' Autumn Long on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Autumnlongmusic

Amhrán Gach Lá - The Lost Brothers

In the run-up to the Electric Picnic The Lost Brothers perform "Take Off That Dress For Me" by Micah P Hinson for Cock and Bull TV.





 Lost Brothers play Friday, Main Stage @ 3.30
 Micah P.Hinson plays Saturday Cosby Stage @ 4.15

  http://thelostbrothersband.com/

Amhrán Gach Lá - Candice Gordon

Here's the video for Candice Gordon's debut single 'I See A Demon'. It's taken from her debut album 'Before The Sunset Ends' which is released this Autumn.



 


http://www.candicegordonmusic.com/