Knots
Now on the Stage
Angela Macari O’Looney
Released in March, this EP is a taste of the explosive sound from Knots. Big anthemic choruses blasted out, superb guitar riffs plus well thought out lyrics and melody lines, are what I hear from start to finish!
The lead singer has a vocal style that’s perfect for each number; dramatic for Shy which is a vibrant love song, with delectable piano and amazing chords, or alternating from soft vocals to powerhouse on Waiting Still.
I like the rhythm in this particular song and distortion packed riffs throughout. Backing vocals lend to the crescendo for the last chorus. Dynamic changes in this song too, from laid back right up to an energetic and intoxicating rush of volume!
This band remind me of Choice Music Award finalists CODES, with their bashing chords, memorable melodies and exciting build ups to fab choruses.
They do a disco style guitar intro for Falling, moving to a fast beat. I find the melody here almost creates the impression of somebody falling. Chord combos are wonderful and the Guitar solo is sweet, following on with excellent riffs for the memorable chorus.
Home is a soothing number, with acoustic guitar chords for the verse. Piano comes in gradually, as things develop. And I feel like letting go, and I feel like letting you know that I want it, I need it, I said that I’d be there to show you the way back home. This is sung with passion and the guitar chords are vibrant to match the eager sentiment in the lyrics.
Knots are Dublin based and formed in January 2012. Taking influences from acts such as Pearl Jam, U2 and Jeff Buckley, they have created their own hybrid of Indie/Alt/Rock and it works well.
Members are Botham – Vocals/Guitar, Eddie – Drums and Ciaran – Bass.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
The Barley Mob charity Fundraiser 25/03/12
The Barley Mob Musical Youth Foundation gig
Twisted Pepper
25/ 03/ 12
Angela Macari O’Looney
This fundraiser, hosted by popular band The Barley Mob, caught my attention since it involved some acts I have seen before and really enjoy.
The first set was performed by a trio of talented girls, Wyvern lingo. Karen Cowley-Piano/Vocals, Saoirse Duane-Guitar/Vocals and Caoimhe Barry-Percussion/Vocals, recently released their debut EP and played a wonderful selection of songs. Wyvern Lingo hail from Bray and have been together since 2006.
Hebert Park This number from the EP involves trickling acoustic guitar, close harmony and a sweet melody line. Piano comes in adding depth and the lyrics are descriptive. Each girl gets to demonstrate her vocal ability and yet they blend very well together. A fabulous refrain where they layer the harmony, gradually increasing the dynamic is very effective.
Echoes Choppy, featuring superb piano and busy percussion! This number is complex. It has a KT Tunstall vibe to it. Vocals are excellent once again. An echo style refrain is used for the chorus and the melody line is quite haunting.
The girls continued with In the Shadows, Witch Hazel, Fairy tale, Bravery, Wicklow Knows and Fools. Harmonies were seamless throughout the set and they each proved to be amazing musicians and strong vocalists.
King Modo
Lenny Cahill, Paul Keogh, Jon Barrett and Alan Heffernan are the members of King Modo. They hail from Kildare and Newbridge and are currently working on their second album. They have a unique style and influences range from Joni Mitchell to Led Zeppelin. The lads began their set with a number from their first self titled album, which proved a huge success and had airplay on Nova and RTE Radio 1. All you may say Bass fab, amazing chords and a vibrancy that is irresistible! Lead Vocals are performed by Paul, who also plays guitar, while Lenny sings backing vocals. It’s deep, with the melody line complex. Love the chorus in this number and piano is wonderful. Also the harmony that is injected throughout is very effective.
Sentimental Nigel is yet another song from their first album which I enjoy. This involves elaborate lead guitar and unusual rhythm. The verse is spoken. Then the crescendo style chorus is really dynamic. Dramatic staccato guitar chords come in for the second half of this song and backing vocals are powerful. Further along they completely alter the beat and sing a refrain You don’t want to be like Sentimental Nigel. I love this part with the lads singing a big Ah refrain in the background.
We features the vocal power of the band to great advantage and lyrics have a strange schizophrenic mood. Guitars perform an in sync break.
Among the remainder of King Modo’s set was Die and Dance. This is a brilliant piece with loads going on in it, including some wonderful in sync riffs done with bass and guitar. It builds up to a bashing crescendo of instruments and the vocals are equally impressive. Each of their songs has a certain startling quality that draws you in.
Just here is a newer song from their repertoire. This is interesting, with excellent riffs on guitar. All guitars add exciting bits to the overall sound and all the lads contribute harmony. Day and Age is a complex number and harmonies are seamless. Stop start guitar and fab in sync riffs are spectacular. Bass features here and it’s a good number to finish on. The new album should be a great addition to any collection.
King Modo are a force to be reckoned with and I’m always delighted to have the chance to see them again!
Mob Fandango
Fronted by four main vocalists, this ten piece band creates a huge sound. Hailing from the Music Department of N.U.I. Maynooth, they specialize in upbeat, dance-friendly music. I absolutely loved their set and look forward to listening to their newly launched EP Dig.
Mob Fandango include Trumpet, Sax, Trombone, Flute, Drums, Bass/Lead guitars and this evening they had a wonderful lady playing keyboards. Each member seems to thoroughly enjoy playing and this inspired a cheerful atmosphere. They did some beautifully harmonious choruses and perfectly synchronized instrumentals.
Members are Keith Sutherland, Conor Doherty, Jim Clarke, Karen Abe, Keith Fennell, Ken McCabe, Liam Duffy, Louise Gaffney, Michael Quinn, Danny Groenland.
Keith Fennell, who does lead vocals for most of the songs, has a fantastic range. However, the close harmonies with all those voices are unbelievable.
They did a Cover of D’Angelo’s Feel like making love. I vaguely remember hearing George Benson perform this number too way back. With their excellent brass section, this version sounded just right for Mob Fandango.
Their repertoire also includes some R&B and Soul style numbers, all really funky and complex, but wonderful just the same.
She might be Crazy was a favourite for me. Dig is explosive, with an exciting beat. Guitars do amazing riffs and also the brass section totally come alive for Dance Floor.
Funk epidemic involves flange laden guitars, outstanding vocals and blasts of brass that blow me away!
They did a few more originals such as Fat Cats, Primates and A lil Soul.
This band are awe inspiring and with so many members, can still maintain fabulous unity and polish for their entire performance.
Fox E. And the Good hands
This band are unforgettable and the lead singer has a shocking, but addictive quality to her style and cocky personality. Vibrant and totally seductive, Eimear’s vocals are powerful and her command of the audience is fun to watch, as she sings the sexy lines from I like it Curvy!
From Kildare, this Rap/Funk/ Soul six part act opened the Hotpress stage of Oxygen 2011. Between the male rap bits, Eimear’s fab stage presence and the funky guitars throughout, their set is outrageous and imaginative, forcing the punters to move to the sexy beat!
All songs are witty too and some of the guitar riffs are totally delicious.
Band members are Eimear Fox, Barry O’Farrell, Paula Size, Gordon Dunning, Philip Donnery and Dave Mc Donald.
Good Hands, Please me, John Player Blues, No Diggity, Unfortunately, Sourlafunkalicious, I like it Curvy, Get Up and do it, Hypnotised were only some of their set.
Please me is fast, with a Disco/latino style beat and melody line. Eimear sings the alluring lyrics Do you like it when I bend over/ Do you like it when I call your name. There’s an elaborate guitar solo that is wonderful in this number and lends to the hot lyrics.
I think one of my favourites from the set was Unfortunately, which involved amazing guitars and equally amazing vocals.
John Player Blues has brilliant lyrics and as in each song, it comprises superb guitar and backing vocals, which add spice to Eimear’s pouring out of the blues.
I hear a measure of Adele’s gutsy vocal style in Eimear and her punchy quality has been compared to colourful acts such as Blondie and Imelda May. I saw Pink at the 02, and that’s who I think of on watching her perform. She puts such passion into her performance and I found her band captivating from start to finish without a doubt!
The Barley Mob
Formed in 2010 by Singer/Songwriter Adam Daly, this band from Kildare have a Reggae/Soul style that is uplifting. They have come a long way since they first came on the music scene!
They have featured in many music festivals, appeared on The Zodiac Sessions, The Ruby Sessions, plus a number of festivals and high profile Venues. Involved in many charity incentives, The Mob are major representatives for The Musical Youth Foundation (a charity aiming to provide a future for under privileged kids, ensuring for them an education and musical instruments.) Members are Adam Daly-Lead Vocals, Neil Butler-Drums, John Heraghty- Bass, Andy Moore-Lead guitar/Vocals, Conor Byrne-Keys/Vocals, Barry Kett-Horn/Flute Sean Be.
The lads performed a top class set which included favourites from their repertoire including Clarity, Nothing in the World, World Today, Some men Say, We go the Distance, Medicine Man, Seven Brothers, Never be lost(When you’ve got music), Everybody’s music, Stand up, Rise Up, Big Up.
Two of these songs have been released as singles, and they also released a five track EP, selling 500 copies at Electric Picnic 2010, for The Musical Youth foundation. Even to non lovers of Reggae, the lads have a really inspiring sound and their songs are memorable.
Everybody’s music
This bouncy number has trickling banjo notes throughout, a catchy melody line and optimistic lyrics. We must learn to teach our young to run until the race is won. Lead solo is brilliant and slider is used for some of the lingering notes. Adam’s delivery is full of charisma.
Never be lost (When you’ve got the music) has a great guitar riff and a wonderful choppy beat. The chorus is cool too and trumpet adds to the mood later on in the song. I love the sentiment in the lyrics I remember what you said, because you said it better than anybody said, you’ll never be lost when you’ve got music. There are short but beautiful guitar solos throughout this number. Some men Say has some lovely electric guitar riffs and is a feel good song.
We go the Distance
Probably my favourite Barley Mob number, this one is really encouraging in a time like now, when it seems us Irish folk are under pressure. The lyrics address the strength of the Irish spirit and how when the chips are down, as a nation we always come out fighting, and somehow get through! Guitars are spectacular in this, especially Andy Moore’s lead solo. Adam charms with his smooth delivery of that laid back reggae style chorus. The sweet riff throughout has to be that magical draw to the listener, and matches the soothing words They’re never gonna knock us down. We go the distance.
Stand up, Rise up, Big up is a fast moving number, with a chorus you have to sing along with. Andy does harmony and the guitars and rhythm are fab here.
Each of The Barley Mob’s songs expresses a feeling I can hear coming through in both their own music, and their need to reach out to others and spread a special energy that is quite unique.
I congratulate them and all the bands that worked so hard to make this gig happen!
Angela Macari O’Looney
This fundraiser, hosted by popular band The Barley Mob, caught my attention since it involved some acts I have seen before and really enjoy.
The first set was performed by a trio of talented girls, Wyvern lingo. Karen Cowley-Piano/Vocals, Saoirse Duane-Guitar/Vocals and Caoimhe Barry-Percussion/Vocals, recently released their debut EP and played a wonderful selection of songs. Wyvern Lingo hail from Bray and have been together since 2006.
Hebert Park This number from the EP involves trickling acoustic guitar, close harmony and a sweet melody line. Piano comes in adding depth and the lyrics are descriptive. Each girl gets to demonstrate her vocal ability and yet they blend very well together. A fabulous refrain where they layer the harmony, gradually increasing the dynamic is very effective.
Echoes Choppy, featuring superb piano and busy percussion! This number is complex. It has a KT Tunstall vibe to it. Vocals are excellent once again. An echo style refrain is used for the chorus and the melody line is quite haunting.
The girls continued with In the Shadows, Witch Hazel, Fairy tale, Bravery, Wicklow Knows and Fools. Harmonies were seamless throughout the set and they each proved to be amazing musicians and strong vocalists.
King Modo
Lenny Cahill, Paul Keogh, Jon Barrett and Alan Heffernan are the members of King Modo. They hail from Kildare and Newbridge and are currently working on their second album. They have a unique style and influences range from Joni Mitchell to Led Zeppelin. The lads began their set with a number from their first self titled album, which proved a huge success and had airplay on Nova and RTE Radio 1. All you may say Bass fab, amazing chords and a vibrancy that is irresistible! Lead Vocals are performed by Paul, who also plays guitar, while Lenny sings backing vocals. It’s deep, with the melody line complex. Love the chorus in this number and piano is wonderful. Also the harmony that is injected throughout is very effective.
Sentimental Nigel is yet another song from their first album which I enjoy. This involves elaborate lead guitar and unusual rhythm. The verse is spoken. Then the crescendo style chorus is really dynamic. Dramatic staccato guitar chords come in for the second half of this song and backing vocals are powerful. Further along they completely alter the beat and sing a refrain You don’t want to be like Sentimental Nigel. I love this part with the lads singing a big Ah refrain in the background.
We features the vocal power of the band to great advantage and lyrics have a strange schizophrenic mood. Guitars perform an in sync break.
Among the remainder of King Modo’s set was Die and Dance. This is a brilliant piece with loads going on in it, including some wonderful in sync riffs done with bass and guitar. It builds up to a bashing crescendo of instruments and the vocals are equally impressive. Each of their songs has a certain startling quality that draws you in.
Just here is a newer song from their repertoire. This is interesting, with excellent riffs on guitar. All guitars add exciting bits to the overall sound and all the lads contribute harmony. Day and Age is a complex number and harmonies are seamless. Stop start guitar and fab in sync riffs are spectacular. Bass features here and it’s a good number to finish on. The new album should be a great addition to any collection.
King Modo are a force to be reckoned with and I’m always delighted to have the chance to see them again!
Mob Fandango
Fronted by four main vocalists, this ten piece band creates a huge sound. Hailing from the Music Department of N.U.I. Maynooth, they specialize in upbeat, dance-friendly music. I absolutely loved their set and look forward to listening to their newly launched EP Dig.
Mob Fandango include Trumpet, Sax, Trombone, Flute, Drums, Bass/Lead guitars and this evening they had a wonderful lady playing keyboards. Each member seems to thoroughly enjoy playing and this inspired a cheerful atmosphere. They did some beautifully harmonious choruses and perfectly synchronized instrumentals.
Members are Keith Sutherland, Conor Doherty, Jim Clarke, Karen Abe, Keith Fennell, Ken McCabe, Liam Duffy, Louise Gaffney, Michael Quinn, Danny Groenland.
Keith Fennell, who does lead vocals for most of the songs, has a fantastic range. However, the close harmonies with all those voices are unbelievable.
They did a Cover of D’Angelo’s Feel like making love. I vaguely remember hearing George Benson perform this number too way back. With their excellent brass section, this version sounded just right for Mob Fandango.
Their repertoire also includes some R&B and Soul style numbers, all really funky and complex, but wonderful just the same.
She might be Crazy was a favourite for me. Dig is explosive, with an exciting beat. Guitars do amazing riffs and also the brass section totally come alive for Dance Floor.
Funk epidemic involves flange laden guitars, outstanding vocals and blasts of brass that blow me away!
They did a few more originals such as Fat Cats, Primates and A lil Soul.
This band are awe inspiring and with so many members, can still maintain fabulous unity and polish for their entire performance.
Fox E. And the Good hands
This band are unforgettable and the lead singer has a shocking, but addictive quality to her style and cocky personality. Vibrant and totally seductive, Eimear’s vocals are powerful and her command of the audience is fun to watch, as she sings the sexy lines from I like it Curvy!
From Kildare, this Rap/Funk/ Soul six part act opened the Hotpress stage of Oxygen 2011. Between the male rap bits, Eimear’s fab stage presence and the funky guitars throughout, their set is outrageous and imaginative, forcing the punters to move to the sexy beat!
All songs are witty too and some of the guitar riffs are totally delicious.
Band members are Eimear Fox, Barry O’Farrell, Paula Size, Gordon Dunning, Philip Donnery and Dave Mc Donald.
Good Hands, Please me, John Player Blues, No Diggity, Unfortunately, Sourlafunkalicious, I like it Curvy, Get Up and do it, Hypnotised were only some of their set.
Please me is fast, with a Disco/latino style beat and melody line. Eimear sings the alluring lyrics Do you like it when I bend over/ Do you like it when I call your name. There’s an elaborate guitar solo that is wonderful in this number and lends to the hot lyrics.
I think one of my favourites from the set was Unfortunately, which involved amazing guitars and equally amazing vocals.
John Player Blues has brilliant lyrics and as in each song, it comprises superb guitar and backing vocals, which add spice to Eimear’s pouring out of the blues.
I hear a measure of Adele’s gutsy vocal style in Eimear and her punchy quality has been compared to colourful acts such as Blondie and Imelda May. I saw Pink at the 02, and that’s who I think of on watching her perform. She puts such passion into her performance and I found her band captivating from start to finish without a doubt!
The Barley Mob
Formed in 2010 by Singer/Songwriter Adam Daly, this band from Kildare have a Reggae/Soul style that is uplifting. They have come a long way since they first came on the music scene!
They have featured in many music festivals, appeared on The Zodiac Sessions, The Ruby Sessions, plus a number of festivals and high profile Venues. Involved in many charity incentives, The Mob are major representatives for The Musical Youth Foundation (a charity aiming to provide a future for under privileged kids, ensuring for them an education and musical instruments.) Members are Adam Daly-Lead Vocals, Neil Butler-Drums, John Heraghty- Bass, Andy Moore-Lead guitar/Vocals, Conor Byrne-Keys/Vocals, Barry Kett-Horn/Flute Sean Be.
The lads performed a top class set which included favourites from their repertoire including Clarity, Nothing in the World, World Today, Some men Say, We go the Distance, Medicine Man, Seven Brothers, Never be lost(When you’ve got music), Everybody’s music, Stand up, Rise Up, Big Up.
Two of these songs have been released as singles, and they also released a five track EP, selling 500 copies at Electric Picnic 2010, for The Musical Youth foundation. Even to non lovers of Reggae, the lads have a really inspiring sound and their songs are memorable.
Everybody’s music
This bouncy number has trickling banjo notes throughout, a catchy melody line and optimistic lyrics. We must learn to teach our young to run until the race is won. Lead solo is brilliant and slider is used for some of the lingering notes. Adam’s delivery is full of charisma.
Never be lost (When you’ve got the music) has a great guitar riff and a wonderful choppy beat. The chorus is cool too and trumpet adds to the mood later on in the song. I love the sentiment in the lyrics I remember what you said, because you said it better than anybody said, you’ll never be lost when you’ve got music. There are short but beautiful guitar solos throughout this number. Some men Say has some lovely electric guitar riffs and is a feel good song.
We go the Distance
Probably my favourite Barley Mob number, this one is really encouraging in a time like now, when it seems us Irish folk are under pressure. The lyrics address the strength of the Irish spirit and how when the chips are down, as a nation we always come out fighting, and somehow get through! Guitars are spectacular in this, especially Andy Moore’s lead solo. Adam charms with his smooth delivery of that laid back reggae style chorus. The sweet riff throughout has to be that magical draw to the listener, and matches the soothing words They’re never gonna knock us down. We go the distance.
Stand up, Rise up, Big up is a fast moving number, with a chorus you have to sing along with. Andy does harmony and the guitars and rhythm are fab here.
Each of The Barley Mob’s songs expresses a feeling I can hear coming through in both their own music, and their need to reach out to others and spread a special energy that is quite unique.
I congratulate them and all the bands that worked so hard to make this gig happen!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Simon Fagan Unplugged
Simon Fagan
Unplugged
Angela Macari O’Looney
This EP is a pleasantly soothing short collection of acoustic numbers, some taken from Simon’s successful album Outside Looking in. Guitar on each track is intricate. Piano features for Something I don’t know, which is a popular favourite from Simon’s repertoire. The melody line of this song is truly memorable and its choppy beat gives a lovely sense of movement. Harmony comes in as the song progresses, lifting things to a delicious crescendo. A cheerful ooh refrain also lends to the unique, but catchy arrangement!
The guitar intro for the dramatic Tired of Tryin’ is trickling, with chords jazzy. Backing vocals here definitely lift the overall production and the latino pace tempts the listener to dance, it is so deliciously seductive! Simon’s vocal style is adaptable to such a degree, he can pretty much sing anything. However, this type of mysterious song, full of passion is his strong suit.
What’s the point of Looking back has a folksy feel. Rhythm guitar is laid back and the melody is haunting and very beautiful. Lyrics are poignant and a little sad; You gotta get up, you gotta move on, fight your corner, be strong. Don’t spend another year being in the wrong.
Waters Edge is a softly sung number, with Simon’s guitar playing outstanding. His vocal range is demonstrated to great effect, as he effortlessly glides up and down from falsetto notes, in an extremely appealing melody line. He and the guitar are one and as the dynamic increases, you are transported to the scene he paints with his lyrics about running to the water’s edge with his lover. He creates that watery rolling feeling with his plucked guitar style. Love this version!
Tomorrow’s another day begins with a sweet guitar intro. Chords are delicious, as are the romantic lyrics. Simon’s delivery is soothing and the chorus is appealing.
This opportunity to revisit some of Simon’s best songs is a treat for fans. I felt like I was getting a fly on the wall view of him sitting alone, singing and playing his guitar. He has a knack for writing pieces that suit his voice to a tee and this CD is like a private audience with the man himself and his guitar.
Angela Macari O’Looney
This EP is a pleasantly soothing short collection of acoustic numbers, some taken from Simon’s successful album Outside Looking in. Guitar on each track is intricate. Piano features for Something I don’t know, which is a popular favourite from Simon’s repertoire. The melody line of this song is truly memorable and its choppy beat gives a lovely sense of movement. Harmony comes in as the song progresses, lifting things to a delicious crescendo. A cheerful ooh refrain also lends to the unique, but catchy arrangement!
The guitar intro for the dramatic Tired of Tryin’ is trickling, with chords jazzy. Backing vocals here definitely lift the overall production and the latino pace tempts the listener to dance, it is so deliciously seductive! Simon’s vocal style is adaptable to such a degree, he can pretty much sing anything. However, this type of mysterious song, full of passion is his strong suit.
What’s the point of Looking back has a folksy feel. Rhythm guitar is laid back and the melody is haunting and very beautiful. Lyrics are poignant and a little sad; You gotta get up, you gotta move on, fight your corner, be strong. Don’t spend another year being in the wrong.
Waters Edge is a softly sung number, with Simon’s guitar playing outstanding. His vocal range is demonstrated to great effect, as he effortlessly glides up and down from falsetto notes, in an extremely appealing melody line. He and the guitar are one and as the dynamic increases, you are transported to the scene he paints with his lyrics about running to the water’s edge with his lover. He creates that watery rolling feeling with his plucked guitar style. Love this version!
Tomorrow’s another day begins with a sweet guitar intro. Chords are delicious, as are the romantic lyrics. Simon’s delivery is soothing and the chorus is appealing.
This opportunity to revisit some of Simon’s best songs is a treat for fans. I felt like I was getting a fly on the wall view of him sitting alone, singing and playing his guitar. He has a knack for writing pieces that suit his voice to a tee and this CD is like a private audience with the man himself and his guitar.
MRU Magazine
Good news for MRU Magazine. With enough support from it's fans and followers, Music review unsigned.com will become a proper publication.
This is the link I got if you want to see more
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
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.
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.
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