Charity gig at Crawdaddy

Stewart Kenny

A-Z Children’s charity gig

Crawdaddy

05/05/’10

Having thoroughly enjoyed his debut album I’ve fallen so far, I consider myself a big fan of Stewart Kenny. In a gig scene that’s overflowing with aspiring musicians and singer/songwriters, it’s not often one stands out from the rest. In my book, this guy who has been involved with composing, producing and performing since his teens is one in a million!

So I was delighted when he invited me to this gig in aid of Ugandan Orphans, where other top acts were participating. On arrival, I met my host and also the organizer Conor Ebbs and received a very warm welcome. I was amused by the bowls of kiddies party favours on the bar tops and tables about the venue. The atmosphere was cheerful and a good crowd gradually arrived.

Opening up the show, Stewart and his guitarist Barry Brennan began with a gorgeous number I haven’t heard before called Feet made of Clay. This has a three four rhythm and beautiful chords, building up to a dynamic chorus. I’m swept away by Stewart’s vocals as he goes right up to a higher octave. The melody line is soothing and memorable.

All Boats will Rise is from his debut album and has a staccato beat. A really sweet number, this has a magical melody line and a sense of drama and urgency in the lyrics. Chorus simply delicious!

The fear of the Night

A moody song, this has inspiring chord combinations, interesting chops and changes throughout and highlights Stewarts vocal range to great advantage. Lyrics are poignant and are performed with emotion ;Welcome to my world of doubts and fears.

Prom Queen

Stewart dedicated this one to his favourite reviewer. Ah!
I totally adore this song and think it is the nicest from his debut album. It has a feel good melody line, a bouncy beat and a chorus that draws you to sing along. It got a great response from the audience too and I’m not surprised. I had to sing along with this one myself, it is so irresistible. Love the key change for the last chorus.

All Day Through

With lots of minor chords, this love song has a melancholic feel to it. Guitar is delectable throughout, lyrics wonderfully descriptive and the melody line very pretty.

Stewart’s set involved one brilliant cover and in my opinion it was a fab hat trick.The Whole of the Moon, which is a popular Waterboys number was a great choice. With just acoustic chords, he could still create a big sound and did this vibrant song justice.

Blood on the Wall

This is a song about a fight for freedom and it involves tragic lyrics, which paint scenes of war and destruction; The blood on the wall’s still wet. However, it is beautiful and performed with such passion by Stewart. The last verse is done with an anthemic beat, then picks up to a faster pace for the final chorus.

For the next number, Stewart invited a guy called Edward up to the stage, to join the other guitarist. This lifted the atmosphere and was needed for the remainder of this really brilliant set.

Santa Monica

A sense of movement here in the rhythm makes me imagine driving along an American highway. Guitars roll, Stewart going right up for the last chorus. This song is very exciting and quite a contrast to the earlier numbers.

Stewart’s last number was Saint Ricardo, which is an upbeat piece with a choppy chorus. The audience clap along with him and things are in full swing for a great evening.


Other acts taking part in this gig were Goatboy, a folk rock/ experimental act, No Sozopol, who are releasing their debut album and Conor Ebbs, who is a singer/songwriter.

Goatboy

Goatboy is the moniker of Dublin singer/songwriter Mark O’Sullivan, who recently released his album Moon after Yule. He made his debut live performance playing support to KT Tunstall, which is quite an achievement. Mark performed four songs; Untitled, I got you, Girl in a Dream and Winter tears.

With all being memorable laid back songs, sweet guitar riffs and chords feature in each. Girl in a dream is a pretty special love song with romantic lyrics.

Winter Tears is my favourite from his set. It involves a haunting refrain for the chorus and Mark’s vocals would remind me of Phil Collins. He has something special and I look forward to checking out his album.

Conor Ebbs

This young man from Knocklyon, Dublin has just completed his four track E.P. which features Joe Kenny- Production/ Guitars/ Keys. Conor’s influences include stars such as Roy Orbison, Paul Simon and Jeff Buckley to name but a few.

Conor performed The Garden Path, How Sweet, Where we need to be, Alliance, Hungry for Love and Arise.
He has quite an interesting vocal range and can sing jazzy or just easy going pop songs and his repertoire is unique too. Of the set, my favourite would be as follows:

Arise

Slow, with a catchy melody-line, a splash of harmony in the chorus and soulful lyrics, this is a gorgeous number.

How Sweet

Three four tempo, acoustic and electric guitars, keyboards and Conor’s velvety vocals all go into this. It has a short, but extremely sweet guitar solo in it and lots of riffs to delight the senses. Backing vocals are perfect. Middle eight is sung and demonstrates his vocal range.

Where we need to be

Harmonica and trickling guitar in the intro, this is a sad love song. Keys and guitars here are delectable, as is the melody and harmony filters in here and there. Lovely!

No Sozopol are a Dublin band, whose members include former members of The Corsairs. They performed an entertaining set.
They are currently working and album, due for release in the near future.

How encouraging at a time of recession, that these young people are willing to donate their time for charity. Well done to one and all!