Stewart Kenny
Two Lives CD Launch
Academy 2
16/12/11
Angela Macari O’Looney
It was freezing, with Christmas one week away. In this pocket sized venue, a small audience gathered for what promised to be a relaxing and entertaining evening, to celebrate the launch of Stewart Kenny’s new CD.
Opening up the night, Stewart’s wife Anne Marie Papin performed a short, but intriguing set of instrumentals on harp.
She began with Edith Piaf’s La vien Rose, dedicating it to a member of the small gathering.
Her next number was La Source, by Alphonse Hasselmans. This classical piece was beautiful too, with complex notes.
She did a lovely rendition of the wonderfully melancholic theme from The Godfather, Speak Softly Love, by Nino Rota. With trickling notation and that sweet flow of magic that only comes from the harp, I found it refreshing.
Duke, a jazzy piece by Bernard Andres involved strummed chords and the use of percussion applied to the wood of the instrument. This was an excellent choice for a change of pace.
Anne Marie performed a number she wrote for her husband; Keep Smiling. It’s a catchy, short piece of music, and to me was proof that this lady is a talented composer.
Her final number was an excerpt from Clair De Lune, by Debussy. With her pleasant way of introducing each piece, plus a touch of dry humour that only added to her French charm, Anne Marie cheered up a cold December night and warmed up Stewart’s fans very successfully!
Stewart Kenny
From I’ve fallen so far, his debut album, Stewart began with All boats will rise. This number is laid back, with a choppy beat and a sweet melody line. I love the chorus, with it’s lovely ooh, all boats will rise refrain.
A short guitar solo added greatly to this opening song.
Come back home was next. This number involved a delicious piano solo. Stewart’s vocal range is demonstrated to great advantage in the beautiful chorus, which is a refrain Come home.
With a choppy intro, We gotta go was next. This has a classy bass line, fab piano riffs and the melody line is simple yet memorable.
Lead guitar does a riff here toward the finish that is brilliant.
Changing my ways- This upbeat number is dedicated to Anne Marie and is beautiful. But the highlight for me was the piano and guitar breaks throughout.
Baby’s Smile- From his recently recorded album A Destination Unknown, this number was written by Stewart’s brother Alan. It’s slow, with trickling notation on piano and guitar. Lyrics sad, it has a touching refrain and melody line.
Tribute to J is a nicely put together piece, with cleverly written lyrics. It’s based around John Lennon songs and I particularly enjoyed Linda’s input on piano.
A Destination unknown is soulful and poignant.
With only a whisper of percussion and Synth, it’s very laid back. Trickling guitar lends to the sense of melancholy reflected in the lyrics.
Lately involves superb instrumentals, particularly the amazing guitar throughout. As in each song, Stewart’s delivery was just right and it was lovely watching songs from his CD’s brought to life onstage with a full band.
Two Lives has a brilliantly catchy riff throughout and a fast beat. There are two versions, the second more alternative. It is the title track from the new CD and is an interesting song about love and its struggles.
Tremble, written by Stewart’s Dad Tommy was next. I adore this jazzy song. Chords are delicious and elaborate. Lead guitar adds to this cool song, which is one of my favourites from Stewart’s material and is a real showcase for each member of his ensemble!
To continue the jazz section of the night, he did number called Movin’ along, which has a swing style tempo. On a beautiful semi solid guitar, the guitarist Richie performed some awe inspiring riffs and hooks.
Take me as I am is laid back, but has yet more exciting instrumentals from both guitar and Keyboards.
Next, Stewart performed an interesting song which is a tribute to the late Michael Jackson called Maybe he’s better off dead. It has a choppy beat and dramatic melody line. Live, this like all his songs has a big impact!
That’s just Fine is an upbeat number with a stomping beat and it oozes attitude. This was yet another gear shift in styles for Stewart. But it went down very well with the audience.
His last number was a Prince cover Gold. The guitarist shone here with a fab solo as did Stu with his unbelievable vocal range.
After some persuasion, Stewart did one last song. Proving his astounding ability to hit falsetto, he performed a great version of Kiss. This popular Prince cover was a great choice.
Stewart’s band are Richie Adams-Guitar, Linda Adams- Keys, Eoin Melinn-Bass and Abel Benito- Drums.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Gram Parsons tribute
Lynda Lucas
Gram Parsons Tribute
DCC Club
Camden Row
04/11/’11
It was the eve of his 65th Birthday and in this cosy venue, a small group of fans and musicians gathered to raise a glass to him, sing a song, or share in the ongoing campaign to put his name into the Country Music Hall of fame. Gram Parsons has inspired so many of Country music’s best, and with the growing interest in this once not so popular genre, here in Dublin there are some amazing artists who share a huge respect for Gram, whose songs and music are precious archives, where the seeds of other more up to the minute genres were sown.
Miss Paula Flynn
Paula performed the first set of the evening, along with her guitarist Greg McAteer. Beginning with Do you know how it feels to be lonesome, she demonstrated a clear and extremely appealing vocal style. Light, and a little reminiscent of Cathy Davey, Paula is soothing to listen to, as she sings the catchy chorus.
I like the Christian Life; With a three four tempo, this has a laid back mood and a candy sweet melody line.
She followed this with Sing me back home before I die. It’s a beautiful cover and she really does this style of song justice.
Paula and Greg continued with a brilliant version of The last thing on my mind. She’s a lady I plan to hear again. Other songs in her set included Peace in the Valley; A vintage country song that was resurrected by Gram and has been covered by many well known singers, Beautiful Palace of Gold which is Paula’s own work. She finished with Hank Williams cover My bucket’s got a hole in it.
Minnie and the Illy Whackers
Made up from members of The sick and indigent song club, Angie (Minnie) McLaughlin formed this interesting and very entertaining band. It includes Gerry Fitzpatrick-Dobro/Guitar, Shane McGrath-Mandolin/Guitar, Christian Volkman-Bass/Harmonica, Sheila Sullivan-Fiddle/Backing vox and trumpet player Carl O’Brien. Their music contains vaudeville influences and has a ‘ukulele swing’ sound.
Angie has a seductive vocal style and with Sheila’s fiddle included in the sound, each number is lifted to great effect. They performed Close up the Honky tonk. Mandolin and double bass added charm to this foot stomping song.
Sheila and Angie shared vocals for Straight back home to you. The harmonies here were really beautiful and memorable.
I can dance was cheerful, upbeat, with witty lyrics and Sheila performed a wonderful solo on fiddle.
She came from a land of Cotton is a sweet ballad with delightful chords in it. The audience seemed very engaged with this band and I have to admit, they are quite addictive. The pace picks up in this number, and then it winds back down again. It was one of the most popular numbers covered by Gram and this was a very enjoyable version.
Ed McGinley Neill Toner and Leslie Kiel
Opening up with a delicious number called Hot Burrito, this trio performed a great set. Each is a superb musician in his own right, but they blended well as they played and sang a truly enjoyable set. Their second song was plucky, with a sweet melody line and was sung with feeling. They also performed a number with a three four tempo called You don’t miss your water. Punters sang along and the atmosphere was laid back.
Streets of Baltymore involved excellent guitar and all three lads contributed to each riff and solo, harmonizing to lift the entire sound.
Lynda Lucas And the National Born Heathens
Just before Lynda and her entourage began their set, it was announced that midnight had struck and so it was now officially Gram’s sixty fifth Birthday. This added a slice of drama to the moment. On guitar and backing vocals was Brendan Priestly, Vinnie O’Connor-Keys, Joe Ryan-Pedal Steel, Fran Byrne-Dums and Ciaron Patten-Bass. They began with This ol’ town and created a full sound with Piano, Harp, Rhythm, Lead guitar and Lynda singing vocals and playing her guitar.
This was followed by Long Lost soul which is faster and livelier, with an alternating beat.
She performed Do you know how it feels to be lonesome. This song proved popular and Lynda’s version was very sweet.
The atmosphere was fab in the venue as she performed One Hundred Years, which Gram would have performed along with The Byrds. It has poignant lyrics and a lovely melody line.
That’s all it took was another beautiful song, where Brendan Priestly performs close harmony with Lynda’s chorus.
Hickory Wind was laid back. Other wonderful songs in the set were No one treats me like you do, Brass buttons, Green silks and silver shoes, Cry one more time, Sweep out the ashes, Summer Lady and Six days on the Road.
Neill Toner came up to join in for one or two numbers and the final song of the evening was Wild horses couldn’t keep me away. This was a very appropriate title! I’m glad I had the pleasure of being a part of this great tribute night.
Although I don’t consider myself a huge fan of country music, I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful evening and can truthfully say when it’s performed by experts; American country music can be quite addictive.
It was the eve of his 65th Birthday and in this cosy venue, a small group of fans and musicians gathered to raise a glass to him, sing a song, or share in the ongoing campaign to put his name into the Country Music Hall of fame. Gram Parsons has inspired so many of Country music’s best, and with the growing interest in this once not so popular genre, here in Dublin there are some amazing artists who share a huge respect for Gram, whose songs and music are precious archives, where the seeds of other more up to the minute genres were sown.
Miss Paula Flynn
Paula performed the first set of the evening, along with her guitarist Greg McAteer. Beginning with Do you know how it feels to be lonesome, she demonstrated a clear and extremely appealing vocal style. Light, and a little reminiscent of Cathy Davey, Paula is soothing to listen to, as she sings the catchy chorus.
I like the Christian Life; With a three four tempo, this has a laid back mood and a candy sweet melody line.
She followed this with Sing me back home before I die. It’s a beautiful cover and she really does this style of song justice.
Paula and Greg continued with a brilliant version of The last thing on my mind. She’s a lady I plan to hear again. Other songs in her set included Peace in the Valley; A vintage country song that was resurrected by Gram and has been covered by many well known singers, Beautiful Palace of Gold which is Paula’s own work. She finished with Hank Williams cover My bucket’s got a hole in it.
Minnie and the Illy Whackers
Made up from members of The sick and indigent song club, Angie (Minnie) McLaughlin formed this interesting and very entertaining band. It includes Gerry Fitzpatrick-Dobro/Guitar, Shane McGrath-Mandolin/Guitar, Christian Volkman-Bass/Harmonica, Sheila Sullivan-Fiddle/Backing vox and trumpet player Carl O’Brien. Their music contains vaudeville influences and has a ‘ukulele swing’ sound.
Angie has a seductive vocal style and with Sheila’s fiddle included in the sound, each number is lifted to great effect. They performed Close up the Honky tonk. Mandolin and double bass added charm to this foot stomping song.
Sheila and Angie shared vocals for Straight back home to you. The harmonies here were really beautiful and memorable.
I can dance was cheerful, upbeat, with witty lyrics and Sheila performed a wonderful solo on fiddle.
She came from a land of Cotton is a sweet ballad with delightful chords in it. The audience seemed very engaged with this band and I have to admit, they are quite addictive. The pace picks up in this number, and then it winds back down again. It was one of the most popular numbers covered by Gram and this was a very enjoyable version.
Ed McGinley Neill Toner and Leslie Kiel
Opening up with a delicious number called Hot Burrito, this trio performed a great set. Each is a superb musician in his own right, but they blended well as they played and sang a truly enjoyable set. Their second song was plucky, with a sweet melody line and was sung with feeling. They also performed a number with a three four tempo called You don’t miss your water. Punters sang along and the atmosphere was laid back.
Streets of Baltymore involved excellent guitar and all three lads contributed to each riff and solo, harmonizing to lift the entire sound.
Lynda Lucas And the National Born Heathens
Just before Lynda and her entourage began their set, it was announced that midnight had struck and so it was now officially Gram’s sixty fifth Birthday. This added a slice of drama to the moment. On guitar and backing vocals was Brendan Priestly, Vinnie O’Connor-Keys, Joe Ryan-Pedal Steel, Fran Byrne-Dums and Ciaron Patten-Bass. They began with This ol’ town and created a full sound with Piano, Harp, Rhythm, Lead guitar and Lynda singing vocals and playing her guitar.
This was followed by Long Lost soul which is faster and livelier, with an alternating beat.
She performed Do you know how it feels to be lonesome. This song proved popular and Lynda’s version was very sweet.
The atmosphere was fab in the venue as she performed One Hundred Years, which Gram would have performed along with The Byrds. It has poignant lyrics and a lovely melody line.
That’s all it took was another beautiful song, where Brendan Priestly performs close harmony with Lynda’s chorus.
Hickory Wind was laid back. Other wonderful songs in the set were No one treats me like you do, Brass buttons, Green silks and silver shoes, Cry one more time, Sweep out the ashes, Summer Lady and Six days on the Road.
Neill Toner came up to join in for one or two numbers and the final song of the evening was Wild horses couldn’t keep me away. This was a very appropriate title! I’m glad I had the pleasure of being a part of this great tribute night.
Although I don’t consider myself a huge fan of country music, I thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful evening and can truthfully say when it’s performed by experts; American country music can be quite addictive.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The Lonely Schizo's last gig
The Lonely Schizophrenic’s
Last Gig
Bleeker Street Café bar
01/10/11
Angela Macari O’Looney
In this conveniently situated venue, I enjoyed one of the most memorable gigs I’ve ever experienced. It was the last gig to be headlined by this popular quintet. Among the members of the audience were many familiar faces from the small but friendly world of Irish signed and unsigned musicians, singers and gig goers; Faces who have been regulars in Bruxelles Zodiac Sessions, or other such interesting venues around Dublin.
Starting off the evening, Ciara Ashmore performed the first set. Ciara has a vocal style reminiscent of Cranberries lead vocalist, Delores O’Riordan. At times her material would also bring to mind KT Tunstall, with lots of plucky guitar riffs and funky alt/folk chord combinations.
Ciara began her set with a slow trickling intro which took us into Wait. I love her descriptions and how she captures that special moment when two people connect and although in a crowd, they only see each other! Her range is amazing as she caresses each phrase and note with her voice.
Her second number was Magic. This was another very soothing piece, with imaginative guitar throughout and a three four tempo. It’s a love song with sweet lyrics; I’d marry you tomorrow and it would be magic.
After Ciara’s set, Keith O’Brien and the Floppy Disc drives took to the stage. They performed a combination of originals and covers. From Glasnevin, Dublin, Keith studied at Ballyfermot school of Rock. He has built up quite a following, has had airplay on 2FM and FM104, and has gigged in top venues around the City.
His debut album was released last year and his influences include Mundy, Bob Dylan, Declan O’Rourke and Damien Rice.
David Doyle’s Cello lent tremendous atmosphere to each number. Also Liam O’Reilly- bass and Aidan Smyth- lead accompanied Keith as he played acoustic guitar.
Keith has an appealing vocal style a little like David Gray or Paddy Casey. However I feel he has his own distinctive sound. He performed wasn’t that okay, Tick tock, Wasted time, open your eyes, and Summer nights.
Open your eyes is a love song with a slow three four beat. It’s laid back and the chorus is particularly sweet.
Wasted time is a soulful song where Cello creates a fab backdrop to Keith’s softly sung, romantic lyrics.
Summer nights is also romantic and the picture of long warm Summer evenings was cheering on a windy October night.
He performed an encore and chose With or without you (U2) . This number suits Keith’s vocals and it went down well with the growing audience!
Grace Wilde
Next onstage was a very exciting act. Audrey Fay has a truly powerful voice and excellent guitar playing style. She’s joined by guitarist Enda Duffy, and captures the audience’s attention with her passion and power.
Black ‘n’ blue was their first number, with choppy sensual chords. The bewitching hour involved a wonderful lead solo and the use of slider, which added seductiveness. This act evolved from Dublin Band Cream Carousel. Fay and Duffy made the decision to change direction with their style of music. This involved adapting to a more acoustic based sound instead of electric. The raw, authentic edge that this change of direction has given them is very evident in each number. I found their set very captivating!
Bring me to my knees involved further amazing lead performed by Enda Duffy, with Fay’s own guitar talent proving her undeniable show stopping charisma.
Next was an MJ cover and a very popular choice with the punters; Billy Jean.
This was a jazzed up version, but somehow Fay nailed it so well that I was riveted to the spot. They did two more numbers; Breathing and Grace. Grace is a wonderful fast moving rock song, with a delicious melody line. Chord combinations are catchy too, so it made a fab finale for this unforgettable duo!
The Guilty Folks
This act comprises Aidan Comerford and Sarah Williams. They perform comedy/parody style songs, with Aidan playing acoustic guitar. I found their material really musical and quite appealing, despite the blue content! They started with a song about the difficulties related to sex during pregnancy; Can’t get you in trouble again. The lyrics were hilarious. I found that Sarah’s harmonies were so precise, that I was more entertained by the musical side of what they had to say.
Hate Sex was their second number. Very melodious yet again, this had the punters falling about the place laughing. Harmony was close and the melody line candy sweet!
Just don’t ask was probably my own personal favourite from their set. This was a song that inspired singing along with the chorus. They had the audience firmly in their grip and they went on with Penelope, which had a very funny line; She’s like a walking industrial accident!
They performed a number called Love locked where Aidan plays Ukulele and they share a mike. OTT is the only description I have for this one. Their preoccupation with sexually explicit lyrics gets a teensy bit tedious, but it doesn’t stop them from being a thoroughly enjoyable act! They finished their set with a tribute to the audience; AWLF(An audience we’d like to f…k).
The Shallow waters
Two pretty girls performed a tribute song especially for The Lonely Schizo’s last gig. It was Goodbye my Lover(James Blunt cover).
Sinead Smyth
This young lady is a superb vocalist and musician and I remember her from The Zodiac Sessions. Her set was short and sweet, but I could listen to her forever!
The Lonely Schizophrenic
After a short interval, the main feature of the night made a perfect entrance!
Each member of the band took his place onstage except for the lead vocalist Anto Kane. Then, down the stairs he made his dramatic descent attired in full Star Wars Storm Trooper regalia. This was brilliance and had the desired element of surprise for the audience.
Anto in true Lonely Schizo style began with I miss me Da from the band’s debut EP. Everyone sang the chorus with him Rent a daddy dot com, rent a daddy do, rent a daddy dot com/ He will love you.
Andy Delamere-Lead guitar donned a hawk-like mask.Another member of the band wore a gas mask. And the party continued with another hilarious acoustic number called Crab People. The rap part of this song is done in true Schizo style and the chorus requires audience participation. I love Anto’s crab like dance for this.
Panda Porn
Next was another of the band’s fun songs about a documentary that was on TV about promoting mating between Pandas. A seductive beat accompanies Anto, who raps out the lyrics with style. The audience sang out the chorus and on went the party! The Maid of Cabra West, Aggrevated Affection andLivin’ in a Box(about a popular RTE puppet called Bosco) followed. Although the lyrics in their songs are comic, the chords and melody lines in the choruses are all really catchy and each member of the band is an excellent musician in his own right.
They did Itchy, which is yet another shockingly explicit number and finally they finished with my own favourite Schizo song Rest in Pieces, which is the story about a cat that got run over on the road.
There was a call for an encore of course, so we were treated to an alternative version of Rent a daddy /(I miss me Da). This was a great choice and it gave everyone at this brilliant gig a last chance to sing along with the adorable Anto Kane in his crazy get up. It was a great finish to a fantastically entertaining evening and I know that it’s not the last we’ll see of Anto, Andy, Vladmir Pavlov-Bass, Rama Block –Percussion and Aidan Smyth-Lead guitar!
Bleeker Street Café bar
01/10/11
Angela Macari O’Looney
In this conveniently situated venue, I enjoyed one of the most memorable gigs I’ve ever experienced. It was the last gig to be headlined by this popular quintet. Among the members of the audience were many familiar faces from the small but friendly world of Irish signed and unsigned musicians, singers and gig goers; Faces who have been regulars in Bruxelles Zodiac Sessions, or other such interesting venues around Dublin.
Starting off the evening, Ciara Ashmore performed the first set. Ciara has a vocal style reminiscent of Cranberries lead vocalist, Delores O’Riordan. At times her material would also bring to mind KT Tunstall, with lots of plucky guitar riffs and funky alt/folk chord combinations.
Ciara began her set with a slow trickling intro which took us into Wait. I love her descriptions and how she captures that special moment when two people connect and although in a crowd, they only see each other! Her range is amazing as she caresses each phrase and note with her voice.
Her second number was Magic. This was another very soothing piece, with imaginative guitar throughout and a three four tempo. It’s a love song with sweet lyrics; I’d marry you tomorrow and it would be magic.
After Ciara’s set, Keith O’Brien and the Floppy Disc drives took to the stage. They performed a combination of originals and covers. From Glasnevin, Dublin, Keith studied at Ballyfermot school of Rock. He has built up quite a following, has had airplay on 2FM and FM104, and has gigged in top venues around the City.
His debut album was released last year and his influences include Mundy, Bob Dylan, Declan O’Rourke and Damien Rice.
David Doyle’s Cello lent tremendous atmosphere to each number. Also Liam O’Reilly- bass and Aidan Smyth- lead accompanied Keith as he played acoustic guitar.
Keith has an appealing vocal style a little like David Gray or Paddy Casey. However I feel he has his own distinctive sound. He performed wasn’t that okay, Tick tock, Wasted time, open your eyes, and Summer nights.
Open your eyes is a love song with a slow three four beat. It’s laid back and the chorus is particularly sweet.
Wasted time is a soulful song where Cello creates a fab backdrop to Keith’s softly sung, romantic lyrics.
Summer nights is also romantic and the picture of long warm Summer evenings was cheering on a windy October night.
He performed an encore and chose With or without you (U2) . This number suits Keith’s vocals and it went down well with the growing audience!
Grace Wilde
Next onstage was a very exciting act. Audrey Fay has a truly powerful voice and excellent guitar playing style. She’s joined by guitarist Enda Duffy, and captures the audience’s attention with her passion and power.
Black ‘n’ blue was their first number, with choppy sensual chords. The bewitching hour involved a wonderful lead solo and the use of slider, which added seductiveness. This act evolved from Dublin Band Cream Carousel. Fay and Duffy made the decision to change direction with their style of music. This involved adapting to a more acoustic based sound instead of electric. The raw, authentic edge that this change of direction has given them is very evident in each number. I found their set very captivating!
Bring me to my knees involved further amazing lead performed by Enda Duffy, with Fay’s own guitar talent proving her undeniable show stopping charisma.
Next was an MJ cover and a very popular choice with the punters; Billy Jean.
This was a jazzed up version, but somehow Fay nailed it so well that I was riveted to the spot. They did two more numbers; Breathing and Grace. Grace is a wonderful fast moving rock song, with a delicious melody line. Chord combinations are catchy too, so it made a fab finale for this unforgettable duo!
The Guilty Folks
This act comprises Aidan Comerford and Sarah Williams. They perform comedy/parody style songs, with Aidan playing acoustic guitar. I found their material really musical and quite appealing, despite the blue content! They started with a song about the difficulties related to sex during pregnancy; Can’t get you in trouble again. The lyrics were hilarious. I found that Sarah’s harmonies were so precise, that I was more entertained by the musical side of what they had to say.
Hate Sex was their second number. Very melodious yet again, this had the punters falling about the place laughing. Harmony was close and the melody line candy sweet!
Just don’t ask was probably my own personal favourite from their set. This was a song that inspired singing along with the chorus. They had the audience firmly in their grip and they went on with Penelope, which had a very funny line; She’s like a walking industrial accident!
They performed a number called Love locked where Aidan plays Ukulele and they share a mike. OTT is the only description I have for this one. Their preoccupation with sexually explicit lyrics gets a teensy bit tedious, but it doesn’t stop them from being a thoroughly enjoyable act! They finished their set with a tribute to the audience; AWLF(An audience we’d like to f…k).
The Shallow waters
Two pretty girls performed a tribute song especially for The Lonely Schizo’s last gig. It was Goodbye my Lover(James Blunt cover).
Sinead Smyth
This young lady is a superb vocalist and musician and I remember her from The Zodiac Sessions. Her set was short and sweet, but I could listen to her forever!
The Lonely Schizophrenic
After a short interval, the main feature of the night made a perfect entrance!
Each member of the band took his place onstage except for the lead vocalist Anto Kane. Then, down the stairs he made his dramatic descent attired in full Star Wars Storm Trooper regalia. This was brilliance and had the desired element of surprise for the audience.
Anto in true Lonely Schizo style began with I miss me Da from the band’s debut EP. Everyone sang the chorus with him Rent a daddy dot com, rent a daddy do, rent a daddy dot com/ He will love you.
Andy Delamere-Lead guitar donned a hawk-like mask.Another member of the band wore a gas mask. And the party continued with another hilarious acoustic number called Crab People. The rap part of this song is done in true Schizo style and the chorus requires audience participation. I love Anto’s crab like dance for this.
Panda Porn
Next was another of the band’s fun songs about a documentary that was on TV about promoting mating between Pandas. A seductive beat accompanies Anto, who raps out the lyrics with style. The audience sang out the chorus and on went the party! The Maid of Cabra West, Aggrevated Affection andLivin’ in a Box(about a popular RTE puppet called Bosco) followed. Although the lyrics in their songs are comic, the chords and melody lines in the choruses are all really catchy and each member of the band is an excellent musician in his own right.
They did Itchy, which is yet another shockingly explicit number and finally they finished with my own favourite Schizo song Rest in Pieces, which is the story about a cat that got run over on the road.
There was a call for an encore of course, so we were treated to an alternative version of Rent a daddy /(I miss me Da). This was a great choice and it gave everyone at this brilliant gig a last chance to sing along with the adorable Anto Kane in his crazy get up. It was a great finish to a fantastically entertaining evening and I know that it’s not the last we’ll see of Anto, Andy, Vladmir Pavlov-Bass, Rama Block –Percussion and Aidan Smyth-Lead guitar!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Uncle Tom's Arthur's Day gig
The Cabin Sessions
Arthur’s Day 22/ 09/ 11
Angela Macari O’Looney
Lynda Lucas is a Country/Roots/Soul singer whose music took my attention a few years ago. Originally lead singer of The Cherry Pickers, she went solo when they split up, and has since recorded an E.P. and an album. Travelling to Nashville on many occasions, she featured in two TV shows which proved a huge success.
She gigs around Dublin regularly and in ’09, featured with the Lisa Janes on Balcony TV singing Wayfaring Stranger. Her guitarist Brendan Priestly compliments Lynda’s vocals with close harmony and both guitars blend very well.
I was delighted to be at Uncle Tom’s Cabin for Arthur’s Day, where Lynda and Brendan were performing, along with many other fab artists.
MC Gerry Fitzpatrick (The Sick & Indigent Song club) introduced the evening, explaining that this particular sessions gig requests for the punters to keep a hush for each artist and give them some support. I find this really impressive and prefer it to the kind of gig where punters drown out what’s happening onstage.
The McGrane Family
The first act was a family who each play instruments and are very enjoyable singers, yet each has a distinctive vocal style. Their album Fair and tender Ladies is available at gigs. Noreen performed the first number, which was made famous by The Carter Family; Bury me under the Weeping Willow Tree. I found her autoharp added atmosphere. Other musicians were invited to add a riff or a note at will, and this laid back mood was quite contagious, with the gradual addition of Gerry Fitzpatrick on Dobro, three acoustic guitars, Con Butler on bass and Cathy McEvoy on fiddle. A younger member of the McGranes, Ellen performed a wonderful number that had divine guitar chords and a delightful melody line. Other songs in their set included Miss Ohio, Craw Daddy, I would rather go blind. Cannonball; An up-tempo song about a train, this lifted the mood a little and went down well with the growing audience.
Ellen performed a great version of Baby, now that I found you, which is a popular song made famous by The Foundations. People sang along with the chorus and it was probably the most enjoyable of the set. Noreen sang a folk/Spiritual number called The Tempest. The last number was led by Brian and Harry McGrane. This was a Bob Dylan cover and a great choice to finish their set with.
The Mellowchords
This fantastic barber shop septet began their set with a show stopping version of Hello Mary Lou. They also did Under the boardwalk, Bye Bye Love, and after shouts for an encore they finished up with an oldie that’s perfect for close harmony. Hello! Ma baby and dates back as far as 1899; Not quite as old as the home of the black stuff!
Pat McGonnigle & Dylan McCauley
Pat and Dylan performed an excellent set which included a fab cover of No woman, No cry, which featured Dylan performing lead vocals, Pat singing harmony. With one on acoustic and the other on Steel Guitar, they created a full sound. Pat performed The Walkin’ blues and his guitar riffs were impressive here, with lots of bluesy bits using slider included in this slinky piece. This number has been covered by many famous people including a particularly amazing version performed by Rory Gallagher. The lads were able to bring this song to life in their own unique fashion!
Lynda Lucas
Next up were Lynda and Brendan, who started their set with a number that was written by The Cherry Pickers. Evangeline involves Brendan Priestly performing the verse, with Lynda joining him for the choruses. He performed a sweet guitar solo and this three four number involved a wonderful melody line and delicious harmonies.
My Morphine was performed by Lynda, with Brendan doing backing vocals. This sad song is about addiction and the lyrics are the words of a man who is reflecting on happier times, before his lady was changed by addiction. Chords are plucked and Lynda’s clear and emotion-filled portrayal of the story was moving.
They finished with Sin City (Gram Parsons). This version involved excellently performed harmony, with Lynda singing lead vocals.
Kevin Davenport
The last act of this fascinating show was Dublin Blues/Country/Swing singer Kevin Davenport. This young man has an amazing way with a guitar and even dresses the part, as his costume would make you believe you were stepping out of a time tunnel into a 1940s bar room.
Kevin began his set with an Emmet Miller number Sweet Mama. Also among his influences are names such as Robert Johnson, The Cheap suit entertainers and Al Jolson. You hear all of these music styles coming through in his performance.
He continued with a Rory Gallagher cover, Seven Days. A slinky intro was played using his impressive guitar expertise, with the use of a slider adding to the seductive feel of the number. Kevin’s riffs are so effective between each line and then he finishes the song with a flamboyant flourish of flamenco type strumming.
Sugar Moon, which is a cover from Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, was Kevin’s last song. It reminds me of My Blue Heaven, with the pace choppy and cheerful. He has a great way of charming his audience and I found his act unique and memorable.
Finale
All of the performers joined in for a last number to end the evening. They chose Blue Moon of Kentucky, which went down a treat, especially with the slow start and then the pace picking up. The merging of instruments and voices took the atmosphere up a notch and Cathy’s fiddle, the auto harp and the various interesting guitars all mingled to enrich the huge crescendo.
Arthur’s Day 22/ 09/ 11
Angela Macari O’Looney
Lynda Lucas is a Country/Roots/Soul singer whose music took my attention a few years ago. Originally lead singer of The Cherry Pickers, she went solo when they split up, and has since recorded an E.P. and an album. Travelling to Nashville on many occasions, she featured in two TV shows which proved a huge success.
She gigs around Dublin regularly and in ’09, featured with the Lisa Janes on Balcony TV singing Wayfaring Stranger. Her guitarist Brendan Priestly compliments Lynda’s vocals with close harmony and both guitars blend very well.
I was delighted to be at Uncle Tom’s Cabin for Arthur’s Day, where Lynda and Brendan were performing, along with many other fab artists.
MC Gerry Fitzpatrick (The Sick & Indigent Song club) introduced the evening, explaining that this particular sessions gig requests for the punters to keep a hush for each artist and give them some support. I find this really impressive and prefer it to the kind of gig where punters drown out what’s happening onstage.
The McGrane Family
The first act was a family who each play instruments and are very enjoyable singers, yet each has a distinctive vocal style. Their album Fair and tender Ladies is available at gigs. Noreen performed the first number, which was made famous by The Carter Family; Bury me under the Weeping Willow Tree. I found her autoharp added atmosphere. Other musicians were invited to add a riff or a note at will, and this laid back mood was quite contagious, with the gradual addition of Gerry Fitzpatrick on Dobro, three acoustic guitars, Con Butler on bass and Cathy McEvoy on fiddle. A younger member of the McGranes, Ellen performed a wonderful number that had divine guitar chords and a delightful melody line. Other songs in their set included Miss Ohio, Craw Daddy, I would rather go blind. Cannonball; An up-tempo song about a train, this lifted the mood a little and went down well with the growing audience.
Ellen performed a great version of Baby, now that I found you, which is a popular song made famous by The Foundations. People sang along with the chorus and it was probably the most enjoyable of the set. Noreen sang a folk/Spiritual number called The Tempest. The last number was led by Brian and Harry McGrane. This was a Bob Dylan cover and a great choice to finish their set with.
The Mellowchords
This fantastic barber shop septet began their set with a show stopping version of Hello Mary Lou. They also did Under the boardwalk, Bye Bye Love, and after shouts for an encore they finished up with an oldie that’s perfect for close harmony. Hello! Ma baby and dates back as far as 1899; Not quite as old as the home of the black stuff!
Pat McGonnigle & Dylan McCauley
Pat and Dylan performed an excellent set which included a fab cover of No woman, No cry, which featured Dylan performing lead vocals, Pat singing harmony. With one on acoustic and the other on Steel Guitar, they created a full sound. Pat performed The Walkin’ blues and his guitar riffs were impressive here, with lots of bluesy bits using slider included in this slinky piece. This number has been covered by many famous people including a particularly amazing version performed by Rory Gallagher. The lads were able to bring this song to life in their own unique fashion!
Lynda Lucas
Next up were Lynda and Brendan, who started their set with a number that was written by The Cherry Pickers. Evangeline involves Brendan Priestly performing the verse, with Lynda joining him for the choruses. He performed a sweet guitar solo and this three four number involved a wonderful melody line and delicious harmonies.
My Morphine was performed by Lynda, with Brendan doing backing vocals. This sad song is about addiction and the lyrics are the words of a man who is reflecting on happier times, before his lady was changed by addiction. Chords are plucked and Lynda’s clear and emotion-filled portrayal of the story was moving.
They finished with Sin City (Gram Parsons). This version involved excellently performed harmony, with Lynda singing lead vocals.
Kevin Davenport
The last act of this fascinating show was Dublin Blues/Country/Swing singer Kevin Davenport. This young man has an amazing way with a guitar and even dresses the part, as his costume would make you believe you were stepping out of a time tunnel into a 1940s bar room.
Kevin began his set with an Emmet Miller number Sweet Mama. Also among his influences are names such as Robert Johnson, The Cheap suit entertainers and Al Jolson. You hear all of these music styles coming through in his performance.
He continued with a Rory Gallagher cover, Seven Days. A slinky intro was played using his impressive guitar expertise, with the use of a slider adding to the seductive feel of the number. Kevin’s riffs are so effective between each line and then he finishes the song with a flamboyant flourish of flamenco type strumming.
Sugar Moon, which is a cover from Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, was Kevin’s last song. It reminds me of My Blue Heaven, with the pace choppy and cheerful. He has a great way of charming his audience and I found his act unique and memorable.
Finale
All of the performers joined in for a last number to end the evening. They chose Blue Moon of Kentucky, which went down a treat, especially with the slow start and then the pace picking up. The merging of instruments and voices took the atmosphere up a notch and Cathy’s fiddle, the auto harp and the various interesting guitars all mingled to enrich the huge crescendo.
Monday, October 3, 2011
With everything ahead of us
With Everything Ahead of Us
Stewart Kenny
Angela Macari O’Looney
Stewart Kenny’s second album, this inspiring collection of songs is due for release in the near future. His debut I’ve fallen so far was launched in 2009 in Crawdaddy and is a favourite in my own CD collection.
Stewart has been composing since he was fourteen, and he possesses a fantastic vocal range. His guitar playing skills are also quite impressive. He produces, arranges, mixes and masters his own music.
His influences include greats such as Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Ray Lamontagne and the list goes on.
Play the Game
This number starts off with a dramatic space aged intro, picking up to a faster tempo for the verse. It’s an upbeat song, with a catchy melody line and close harmony adds sparkle. The lyrics are sarcastic; you like the last laugh, you need the last word/ you need to twist the knife, when all you got’s a spoon.The busy drumbeat, synth and programming lend to the cheerful mood. I particularly enjoy the key change where Stewart goes up to falsetto.
Plucked acoustic guitar notes and a trickling quality are the key features in the second track. Empty promises is laid back and has a soothing quality. Chord combinations are sweet and the refrain Everything, everything has an ethereal feel to it.
Maybe he’s better off dead
Choppy, with tragic notation, this number is quite sad. The lyrics conjure up a picture of a person who suffers from media persecution. Stewart’s delivery is excellent here, as he goes through a list of possible reasons for someone to end up hating fame and success! Why was he a victim, cause he was in the public eye? I suspect it relates to the unexpected and sad demise of the King of Pop.
With everything ahead of us
With his acoustic guitar for the beginning and gradual introduction of synth, this number is laid back and very appealing. In it, he’s asking his sweetheart to be optimistic and not to look back, but forward. His light vocals and the harmony for the chorus give it a hopeful feel. I like the percussion throughout and how it falls back here and there, then returns.
In We can make it there the na na refrain is the most appealing feature. I like his descriptions about a summer’s day and swimming in the sea. The picture is painted in his lyrics and you can taste the salt breeze and almost feel the heat of the sun!
Little Darling involves heavenly keyboard and is a love song. Guitar comes in later and adds to the romantic, easy mood. Stewart’s vocals are passionate and harmony filters through here and there.
Stewart demonstrates his astounding guitar skills in Hand in hand, where he performs a solo that has a jazz/flamenco style and is definitely my own favourite bit. At the beginning he creates a big orchestral sound, where programming and electronic keyboard notation is quite complex and imaginative. He composed this number with his wife, Anne Marie Papin.
A destination unknown is a sensitively told story of someone’s life. It’s mournful, but notation is delicious. Guitar is divine as it trickles along, with chord changes simple and very appropriate for this soulful piece that would be great for a film soundtrack.
Fast and choppy, with a cool ah ooh refrain for the chorus, Won’t you take my hand is a number with a dance feel to it. Acoustic guitar lends a contemporary atmosphere to things and I love the busy bass line. Synth and electronic keyboard also filter in here and there. A subtle key change keeps things interesting and Stewart’s arranging ability is evident throughout.
Of the remaining tracks on this fifteen track album, I have some favourites.
The chord progression and the magical sound of Glockenspiel give a dreamy charm to Take it to infinity.
Little mysteries untold has some awe inspiring acoustic guitar solos throughout.
My absolute favourite number on this entire album, Boo hoo you was co-written with his Dad Tommy Kenny. This song is jazzy and involves a tenor sax, close harmony and superb piano and guitar. The sweet melody line, cheerful mood and jazzy riffs are simply beautiful!
The last number on the album, Baby’s smile is a sad piece about the loss of a child and the unfathomable justice that life throws at us. Consoling is impossible in a case like this and that tragedy is captured so well in the lyrics. A trickling guitar and wonderful piano accompany him. Stewart and his brother Alan composed this song.
Stewart’s capacity to create such a variety of lovely tracks is quite amazing. His subtle key changes and delicious instrumentals never fail to inspire and intrigue me!
Stewart Kenny
Angela Macari O’Looney
Stewart Kenny’s second album, this inspiring collection of songs is due for release in the near future. His debut I’ve fallen so far was launched in 2009 in Crawdaddy and is a favourite in my own CD collection.
Stewart has been composing since he was fourteen, and he possesses a fantastic vocal range. His guitar playing skills are also quite impressive. He produces, arranges, mixes and masters his own music.
His influences include greats such as Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Ray Lamontagne and the list goes on.
Play the Game
This number starts off with a dramatic space aged intro, picking up to a faster tempo for the verse. It’s an upbeat song, with a catchy melody line and close harmony adds sparkle. The lyrics are sarcastic; you like the last laugh, you need the last word/ you need to twist the knife, when all you got’s a spoon.The busy drumbeat, synth and programming lend to the cheerful mood. I particularly enjoy the key change where Stewart goes up to falsetto.
Plucked acoustic guitar notes and a trickling quality are the key features in the second track. Empty promises is laid back and has a soothing quality. Chord combinations are sweet and the refrain Everything, everything has an ethereal feel to it.
Maybe he’s better off dead
Choppy, with tragic notation, this number is quite sad. The lyrics conjure up a picture of a person who suffers from media persecution. Stewart’s delivery is excellent here, as he goes through a list of possible reasons for someone to end up hating fame and success! Why was he a victim, cause he was in the public eye? I suspect it relates to the unexpected and sad demise of the King of Pop.
With everything ahead of us
With his acoustic guitar for the beginning and gradual introduction of synth, this number is laid back and very appealing. In it, he’s asking his sweetheart to be optimistic and not to look back, but forward. His light vocals and the harmony for the chorus give it a hopeful feel. I like the percussion throughout and how it falls back here and there, then returns.
In We can make it there the na na refrain is the most appealing feature. I like his descriptions about a summer’s day and swimming in the sea. The picture is painted in his lyrics and you can taste the salt breeze and almost feel the heat of the sun!
Little Darling involves heavenly keyboard and is a love song. Guitar comes in later and adds to the romantic, easy mood. Stewart’s vocals are passionate and harmony filters through here and there.
Stewart demonstrates his astounding guitar skills in Hand in hand, where he performs a solo that has a jazz/flamenco style and is definitely my own favourite bit. At the beginning he creates a big orchestral sound, where programming and electronic keyboard notation is quite complex and imaginative. He composed this number with his wife, Anne Marie Papin.
A destination unknown is a sensitively told story of someone’s life. It’s mournful, but notation is delicious. Guitar is divine as it trickles along, with chord changes simple and very appropriate for this soulful piece that would be great for a film soundtrack.
Fast and choppy, with a cool ah ooh refrain for the chorus, Won’t you take my hand is a number with a dance feel to it. Acoustic guitar lends a contemporary atmosphere to things and I love the busy bass line. Synth and electronic keyboard also filter in here and there. A subtle key change keeps things interesting and Stewart’s arranging ability is evident throughout.
Of the remaining tracks on this fifteen track album, I have some favourites.
The chord progression and the magical sound of Glockenspiel give a dreamy charm to Take it to infinity.
Little mysteries untold has some awe inspiring acoustic guitar solos throughout.
My absolute favourite number on this entire album, Boo hoo you was co-written with his Dad Tommy Kenny. This song is jazzy and involves a tenor sax, close harmony and superb piano and guitar. The sweet melody line, cheerful mood and jazzy riffs are simply beautiful!
The last number on the album, Baby’s smile is a sad piece about the loss of a child and the unfathomable justice that life throws at us. Consoling is impossible in a case like this and that tragedy is captured so well in the lyrics. A trickling guitar and wonderful piano accompany him. Stewart and his brother Alan composed this song.
Stewart’s capacity to create such a variety of lovely tracks is quite amazing. His subtle key changes and delicious instrumentals never fail to inspire and intrigue me!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Friends in High places, Struck
Struck
Friends in High Places
This new single from a young and extremely talented Punk/Pop trio from Castlebar, is due for release at the end of September.
Band members are Sean Walsh – Vocals/Guitar, Dylan Chambers – Vocals/Bass and Ger Duffy – Drums/Backing vocals. They launched their debut E.P. Three Cheers for lying back in April 2010, and have shared stages with top acts such as Scuba Dice, The Shower Scene, Zulu and The Coronas.
Opening up with explosive drums and distortion laden guitars, the lads command your attention with shouts of Hey!
Upbeat, with plenty of stop start type riffs and Sean’s young, clear vocal style; it has poignant lyrics about quitting the delinquent life that his piers seem to have embraced and escaping pressure to waste his time on boozing and hanging out: My watch is broken, but time ain’t freezing.
I particularly enjoy the chorus. The melody and beat pack a great punch!
Chord combinations, fab backing vocals and exciting drum rolls keep things lively throughout. Plucky guitar notes take you into a first class guitar solo with elaborate notation and a powerful bass line framing it.
Things wind down with a pullback of instruments and Sean singing the last lines from the chorus. Struck have youthful optimism that I find inspiring. Their enthusiasm and treasure trove of talent have taken them quite far in a very short space.
With the energy and feel good factor that their songs to date involve, they will undoubtedly prove a great success!
This new single from a young and extremely talented Punk/Pop trio from Castlebar, is due for release at the end of September.
Band members are Sean Walsh – Vocals/Guitar, Dylan Chambers – Vocals/Bass and Ger Duffy – Drums/Backing vocals. They launched their debut E.P. Three Cheers for lying back in April 2010, and have shared stages with top acts such as Scuba Dice, The Shower Scene, Zulu and The Coronas.
Opening up with explosive drums and distortion laden guitars, the lads command your attention with shouts of Hey!
Upbeat, with plenty of stop start type riffs and Sean’s young, clear vocal style; it has poignant lyrics about quitting the delinquent life that his piers seem to have embraced and escaping pressure to waste his time on boozing and hanging out: My watch is broken, but time ain’t freezing.
I particularly enjoy the chorus. The melody and beat pack a great punch!
Chord combinations, fab backing vocals and exciting drum rolls keep things lively throughout. Plucky guitar notes take you into a first class guitar solo with elaborate notation and a powerful bass line framing it.
Things wind down with a pullback of instruments and Sean singing the last lines from the chorus. Struck have youthful optimism that I find inspiring. Their enthusiasm and treasure trove of talent have taken them quite far in a very short space.
With the energy and feel good factor that their songs to date involve, they will undoubtedly prove a great success!
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