Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Padraig Rushe Launch gig, Crawdaddy, Dublin

Padraig Rushe

‘Gonna be a change’

Debut Single launch gig,

23rd January, Crawdaddy


Irish singer/songwriter Padraig Rushe is a unique talent, who has spent eight years developing his new album, ‘GreyWorld. ‘Gonna be a change’ is destined to be a huge success and is the first single from the long awaited masterpiece!

Having left the Dublin Gospel Choir in January ’08, to pursue a solo career, he became the first unsigned Irish artist to earn a place on M.T.V.’S ‘Get Seen: The Contenders’ in May ’08.

This young man’s musical pedigree to date is endless. He has worked with a host of big names, from the late James Brown to Liam O’Maonlai of ‘Hothouse Flowers’ and Damien Rice, which isn’t entirely surprising since Padraig possesses a winning personality, a soothing voice and the ability to write music which is so memorable, it embeds itself into your soul!

I hear a similarity in his slower numbers, to the late Luther Van Dross and other renowned soul singers that have carved their names in history!

I attended the launch of the new single Gonna be a change on Friday evening, January 23rd in Crawdaddy.
On arrival, I met the man himself. Having had a preview of his album‘GreyWorld’, I’ve been listening to the wonderful songs performed so beautifully by Padraig and the choir, who helped out in the making of it.
Thus it was a double whammy to be introduced to the leader of the choir Orla, who told me how committed one has to be, to join the outfit. It wasn’t long before I understood why, once some members took to the stage for many of the songs in the night’s programme.

‘Catcher in the Rye’

The atmosphere was cheerful, with a huge crowd gathering when the band took their places onstage. The lads played a big build up intro for the first song, a funky guitar riff lending to the sound.

Next four members of The Dublin Gospel Choir came out and the rattle of a tambourine was added. A big cheer went up and as choppy, charismatic clapping took things up another notch, the star of the show arrived onstage to huge applause.

Full sound, fantastic backing vocals and the bustling beat of the first number Catcher in the Rye gave the scene a sense of excitement.

This song has a sense of urgency about it, with a delicious chorus that builds up from a ‘Hey yeah ’ to become a big refrain of ‘Rhythm come fly to me home baby’. The choir behind create a big crescendo, one guy in particular possessing a big voice. Live, this song is even better than I could have imagined.

Padraig introduced the band and Choir. He remarked that it took eight years to complete this album and he thanked all who helped him in realising his dream.


Bill Withers medley – Use me up/ Granma’s Hands/ No Digiddy (Blackstreet)

This interesting mix involved wonderful keyboards played by Carl Banks, with lots of sweet sound effects and heavenly ‘oohs’ from the choir.

A short solo and some sweet guitar riffs were performed by Tom Brunkard. middle eight involves a gorgeous refrain,’ bring it on, bring it on.’
Then in that exciting style he has of taking a number right up to it’s peak, Padraig led the choir to a big climax of sound, ending with a sudden stop!

Free Now

Padraig paints a scene of a lovely exotic beach, blue sky and sea. This he says was his inspiration for the words of the next song.

In comes the rhythmic guitar intro, sensual and melodic. Bass very audible here thanks to Mr. Chris Kane, from Boston!
Harmony amazing! Tom, the lead guitarist plays rhythm on the acoustic. Hairs stand up on the back of my neck as I listen to the harmony, sung closely behind the crystal clear voice of Padraig!
A rippling piano riff in the middle is perfomed by Carl and then you are taken back to the now familiar and sweet chorus of ‘We are free, free, free, we are free now’!

New Shoes

This is a cheerful number with a bassy intro. Fun lyrics and cheeky, it has a catchy melody. All members of the band and Padraig himself seem to really enjoy doing this song.
Fluent vocals, delightful riffs on keyboards, guitars playing in synch and a perfect combination of everything, make it go down extremely well with the audience too.


Old Beginnings

Michelle, a prominent member of the choir is called up onstage. Padraig explains that this number was the first one he wrote for the album.

It has a solemn verse, gradually lifting as you go into the chorus. Harmony by Michelle is sung reverently and never drowns out the lead vocals. Her voice sounds light and sweet against Padraig’s deeper male voice. Piano is softly played too. The contrast is very appealing!


Purple Rain – Prince Cover

Huge shouts of approval went up from the audience when this song was introduced. It starts with just Padraig's own acoustic guitar as he sings the wonderful ‘Ah’, which is clearly known by all present.
The mood is magical as dramatic piano comes in.
Harmony is close, as this soothing rendition of the classic is performed. They sing the second chorus in a bigger, more vibrant crescendo. This gradually builds up and the way Padraig lilts and bends his voice is so seductive!
A screaming guitar solo, quite complex is done by Tom Brunkard. A Lovely return to the quiet guitar that took you into the song eases you back to earth again. Quite different from the original version, but absolutely powerful!

GreyWorld

The title track from the album is about chasing a dream and fighting your way to reach your goal. Based on the long road he travelled work wise, time wise and the commitment he had to show, Padraig tells in this song, how the impossible can be made possible, if you care enough!

This song stands out as one of his best!
The Choir do a lovely refrain in it and the melody is superb!

Hallelujah – Cover

Done with just an acoustic guitar, this number was performed reverently and you could hear a pin drop, the place went so silent!

The Choir joined in for the chorus and they sounded like angels behind the velvet lead vocals.

The simple guitar notes, the powerful strength of Padraig’s emotional and fluent rendition of this popular number, all make it the best version I’ve ever heard!

Gonna be a changeNew single

The reason we were all there, this wonderful creation of Padraig’s would bring a tear to a stone. Its lyrics are melancholy and it has a very pretty melody line.

Hearing it online and on the c.d. in my car, I had learned the words. But there is nothing to compare with seeing it performed live!

I had a lump in my throat, as I sang along with the chorus I love so much. Like the other people in Crawdaddy, I had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Tambourine gives this song a lovely mood, and the choppy tempo provided by the drummer, who is Padraig’s brother Karl Rushe is delectable!

Broken Man

After a short interval, the show continued with a sad number which would probably be my least favourite of Padraig’s repertoire. It is very moody and soulful, but is performed with emotion. Even the darker songs like this are so well performed, that they merit praise.
Before Padraig returned onstage the band played a good long intro, as at the beginning of the evening. I found this to be a nice touch, like you were getting a taste before the next feast of music.

Bass is perfectly blended with drums and Chris sings the harmony in this one, the wonderful lament pouring out with feeling and little incidental flourishes of lead infused in just the right places, also keep your interest.

What I particularly enjoyed about this gig, was that there were no support acts. This gave the audience a chance to focus entirely on the lengthy but entertaining show.

Trouble

This was one I hadn’t heard before. It had a three four beat, which was a welcome change. Lead riffs were excellent, chorus catchy and people were singing along with it for the chorus.
The melody was sweet with the Bassist doing harmony once again. It’s an easy going song.

Lord My Lover and Me

The backing singers rejoined the assembly onstage and Padraig thanked all the people of the Dublin Gospel choir, the band and the audience for their devotion and loyalty.
A nice riff intro took you into the moody verse of this number. This is all done in a low monotone. Then suddenly things lift and you are taken into a bursting energetic chorus, with a real spiritual feel to it much like many of the late Elvis Presley’s stuff.
I love the dramatic notes and the ‘Let it be let it be’ sung by the choir. There seems to be a huge explosion of sound and rhythm going on. Like the rest of the songs, seeing it performed live had such a different impact to just listening to them at home!

Rocky took a Lover

Catchy guitar riffs, changes of beat and great lyrics make this very enjoyable. The choir did some wonderful harmony too.

I don’t wanna be

This number had a rock sound. Big vibrant intro, keyboards very intricate and the chorus was lively and refreshing!

Peacefully

Padraig explained how he recently became an uncle twice over. He said how this song tells of his long term wish to someday settle down and live out his days peacefully, to a grand old age.

Plucky intro, melody catchy and a laid back beat with a vibrant baseline made this song. So many acts I go to hear live tend to disappoint me after hearing the recorded version. But with young Mr. Rushe and Co. it seemed the opposite applied!

Sleeping Boy

This sad number about the loss of a friend Padraig grew up with, had a big impact on me when I heard it. I could identify with it so much, having recently lost such a friend.
Rippling piano notes, Padraig’s magical voice and the audience hanging on every note were all unforgettable components of one remarkable night!

Fisherman’s Blue - Waterboys cover

Great choice! The intro to this popular number got an enthusiastic response from the crowd. It lifted the mood back up and everything was cheerful once again. The Bassist took a verse and then sung harmony behind Padraig. It was a nice change and worked well.
The lead guitar also did some sweet little riffs.

New House Rising

For me personally, this song is the absolute top of all the numbers on ‘GreyWorld’! I call it ‘Oh Mary don’t you weep’ and I felt like I was waiting all night for it. I wasn’t disappointed!
It was worth the wait and it was a perfect choice to bring the show to a close. Padraig mentioned that in a lot of ways it was an expression of his Anti-war feelings.
He asked the crowd to give a big cheer for Obama, which no doubt he got!
The choppy intro, the fabulously charismatic verse and the amazingly glorious chorus, all go into making this song one that just has to be experienced live to be appreciated!

Hats off to the choir in this one too! Just outstanding!

A lot of clapping and shouting for more brought Padraig and the band back onstage. I wondered how they could better what they had just done. He decided to give the assembly one more performance of the new single ‘Gonna be a Change’. The choir consisted of only four members of the D.G.C. but listening to them here, you’d think it was forty. I sang along with the chorus and found myself fighting emotion once again, as I witnessed this perfect piece of music.
The fabulous middle eight slows down with lots of ‘Ahs’ and a sense of anticipation. Then the beat which is yet again provided by Karl Rushe returns for the faster, livelier last chorus. Padraig reminded everyone how easy it is to download the single using your mobile. But in my opinion, no studio performance could top what I had just experienced. This gorgeous prodigy of a man has the most incredible voice and it proves once again how lucky we are in Ireland, to be surrounded by unsigned artists like this, arriving in our midst in a constant stream!
Well done Padraig, the band and members of the Dublin gospel choir!

Angela Macari O’Looney

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Two Gigs

Hey Everyone!
I had the privilege of getting to see two gigs this weekend. On Friday night I attended the launch of Padraig Rushe's debut single 'Gonna be a Change'!
In total contrast to the wonderful sound of Padraig and some members of the Dublin Gospel Choir, I was in Eamonn Doran's on Saturday afternoon to see a band called The Shower Scene. These are very young and are mainly a Punk/Pop band so it was a big jump from one genre to another. It was fun and enjoyable, but I was one of the oldest members of the audience, apart from the Dad of one of the guitarists.You have to be flexible to be a reviewer.
Reviews will be posted on irishunsigned.com and here at a later date:-)
Have a nice weekend!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Greyworld c.d. by Padraig Rushe

Padraig Rushe

‘GreyWorld’


Angela Macari O’Looney

Paidraig Rushe is no stranger to the Irish music scene. His alternative Rock/Folk/Soul style of music comes from a childhood spent in America, where he developed his voice, influenced by the diverse mixture of music and cultures thereof.

This wonderful guy who is a mine of pure talent was heard leading The Dublin Gospel Choir until recently, when he began to focus on promoting this album, which seems to be a culmination of the songs and music that are closest to his heart.

Performing with Paddy Casey, Liam O’Maonlai of The Hothouse Flowers and other prominent names such as James Brown heightened his profile on a more international level. He just seems to posess a Midas touch when it comes to song writing, musical arrangements and performing, which obviously comes to him as easily as breathing!

This album which has been some years in the making is the fruit of much labour, sweat and tears, hard work and a little help from his friends!

Gonna be a change – This song is being launched as a single in January ’09. It has an exciting and fast-moving intro. Soulfully performed with sad lyrics and a sweet melody, it has a note of hope in it just the same. There’s a lot of vibrant rhythm and percussion involved, behind the captivating melody which although a little sad, has fire!
Backing vocals create such an overwhelming sense of heavenliness and spirituality, with female vocalists singing a reverent refrain behind the chorus. Bass is consistent along with the choppy beat, which is extremely uplifting.
There’s a slowdown for the middle eight performed by Padraig alone, till it builds up again with the upbeat and lively chorus returning. He does exceptional variation, gliding his voice up and down the register towards the end of this beautiful number.
And this is only the beginning!


Free Now – Beginning with a choppy verse, this number is memorable with a fabulous chorus involving gorgeous harmony. Behind the second verse some little oohs lend atmosphere and then you are brought back to the chorus, where you feel tempted to clap and sing along. Rhythm in this song is everything!
The breath control Padraig demonstrates is amazing; his effortless fluency is riveting as he pours out his soul through his voice, which is absolutely magical!
The middle eight has a beautiful rippling keyboard and then you are taken back to the cheerful, catchy chorus once again. With a delicious melody and tricky changes throughout, it goes from minor to major chords which add atmosphere and drama.

Catcher in the Rye – This is a classic folk song, which has a shuffling style of beat.
Involving a rhythmic verse with a sense of urgency about it, the bustling mood continues throughout. The simple melody is sung in a lower octave, gradually growing to a high and powerful crescendo in the chorus, which the backing singers perform along with Padraig. The accompaniment also develops from just rhythm guitar and drums to vibrant lead guitar that jazzes things up. I feel this to have a similarity in lots of ways to Paul Simon’s dramatic African - tinged songs.
In the second chorus the ‘hey yeah’ seems to almost swell and then gradually things wind down again, Padraig doing the last couple of lines alone with just a beat behind him as he sings a chant of ‘Rhythm come come, rhythm come come’ and without warning, everything just stops!

Wandering Man – This number is moody and solemn. With a deeply sung verse at the start, things become lighter, higher and sweeter for the chorus. Piano is beautiful, as the closely sung harmony adds depth and volume. It is quite sad after all the energy in the previous one. This is followed by a song with yet another very soulful verse.

Lover my Lover and me - The chorus in this number is wonderful and vibrant. However I find these two songs close together with such sombre verses, very mournful and long even though there are certain parts in both that are bright, beautiful and lively.

New house Rising – This makes up for all the deep stuff as it begins with a choppy beat. It is by far my favourite of all the songs on GreyWorld. This is yet another classic which takes on a whole new meaning when performed by this amazing young man, along with the charismatic entourage of angels singing behind him. Fantastic bass, rhythm and keyboards enhance this fresh version of a song I describe as ‘Oh Mary don’t you weep’. What a performance, charged with fire and adrenaline that just bursts from the artist and spreads like a fever to the listener!


As I listen to the voice of this inspiring young man, I find myself reflecting on another magical singer; the late Luther Van Dross. He isn’t mentioned among the many influences in Padraig’s profile. Those influences such as James Brown, Bill Withers, Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and THE voice of all time- Ella Fitzgerald, are choice singers with voices that are musical instruments in themselves and have gone into the history books they are so flawless.
Padraig Rushe though younger and newer, possesses such a voice!

Grey World - This is a slow but extremely lovely number. Dramatic and melodic, it has a fabulous refrain going on behind the sweet chorus. The lyrics are reflective and are sung with emotion. It has a lovely line about the earth ‘this interwoven tapestry’. It’s a lovely description to boost the mood of this sad number. Of the slower tracks it is the nicest by far!

Sleeping Boy – This has a sad three four beat. The words are heartbreakingly melancholic and talk of the loss of a young boy’s friend through his sudden death. It has a dynamic chorus as the whole choir of backing singers sing in unison with Padraig.


Old Beginnings – Very deep and moody, but also quite lovely!
This song has sweetly sung backing vocals performed by one female singer and has delectable piano accompaniment which is the highlight for me. The melody is a little bit dreary though, as are some of the slower songs which sober you up after the more positive, uplifting ones.

Broken Man – With a sweet melody and sad lyrics in this song, there are memorable and appealing chord combinations while the chorus builds up. I particularly like the hushed hint of harmony behind Padraig’s emotionally charged performance in it, which once more demonstrates his exceptional vocal talent.

Peacefully – This is yet another extremely slow, moody number. There’s a nice acoustic guitar in it and a simplicity that makes it quite memorable. Padraig sings ever so softly and the lyrics are romantic and beautiful.
Absolutely perfect, with the constant rippling acoustic guitar and a dramatic beat, there is also a sweet lead solo played on an electric guitar in this final song. It returns to the lovely verse with the acoustic guitar playing rippling notes once again.

As yet I haven’t seen Padraig Rushe on a live gig. This wonderful collection of his work is a must have for anyone who appreciates true musicianship. The more you hear them, the more these powerful songs reach into your soul, drawing you in with pure magic to indulge you as you listen.

America's new President

Well, I've decided that the big story of this week must be the first thing I post on this blog; The appointment of Barack Obama as the new U.S. president!
In a word 'YEAH'!
To know that the country we consider the most powerful and influential in the world has grown up, is a real comfort and to hear this lovely man speak in itself is unbelievably reassuring, for me.
You only have to look at the footage of the scene on Tuesday, as he took his oath, to understand the support and confidence he already has established from Americans.Let's all hope that this guy will turn things around for everyone. Perhaps we are expecting greater things than he can achieve, but I guess if we hope for the moon, there's a chance we'll catch a handfull of stars!
Good luck in your new job Mr. President:-)

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Redhead with an attitude

Redhead, with attitude! Sitting at a table, outside a French cafĂ©, Sipping wine, sporting a jaunty beret. “A lust for life”, your middle name, “Billy”, is your first. To travel, write, and hop a flight, You hunger, and thirst. Tapping at my funny bone. Making me laugh till I cry! Mr. Fleming, colleague, friend? You’re a really worthwhile guy! I yearned for many years, A bus driver like you, To write, and tell my tales And express my point of view. On an old brother typewriter, I wrote my first success. With your help and advice, My article went to press. Early on in our careers, We’d meet and share our woes. You, a mechanic in maintenance, Always were kept on your toes. I was a bus conductress, In love with a young French guy. Back then it was me in gay Paris, And I was flying high. Things have changed, I drive now. And you are a driver too. We’re both captains of our ships. Bygone are the days of bus crews. In front of my computer I smile, As I read an email from you. Before you left you promised, To send a photo or two. When I drive along each day, It’s people like you that I meet, Who remind and encourage me, that Sometimes life can be sweet. So thank you Mr. Fleming, My cheerful Bus driver friend! I hope the times you made me smile, remain with me to the end. By Angela Macari-O’Looney.
Hey! Wecome to my blog!
You can enjoy reading anything I post such as my reviews, which I mainly do for the best music website in Ireland, which is irishunsigned.com. I'll do the odd little extra here and there such as poetry, prose and my take on life in general. If you wish me to do a gig review for you, you can also visit my other sites such as macari.angela@gmail.com, angie.o@mail.ie.You can find me on My Space too under my married name, Angela O'Looney.
Check out irishunsigned for my published reviews to date. I hope to post them one by one here too.
Lets see where this yellow brick road leads:-)