Colleagues & Contemporaries
I'm on Myspace now and if you'd like to be my friend, I'd love to be yours !! It's here
David MacKenzie & Josh Johnston - David is Principal Second Violin in the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland and he and I have a jazz duo which takes the swing of Stephan Grappelli and adds elements of latin jazz, blues and classical music to create a rich mix of jazz standards and original compositions.
Birr singer-songwriter Roesy and I worked together in many ways over a 5 year period with me playing in countless gigs and on three of his CDs.
Drogheda singer-songwriter S.J. McArdle is a good friend and a great songwriter. With a terrific basso voice and a songwriting style that seems to encompass all the best bits between folk and rock - a sharp sense of melody and interesting, meaningful lyrics matched to a raw rock drive that's best served when you hear him with his band The Heavy Hearted.
Tuam man Noelie McDonnell is another of a new breed of singer-songwriters beginning to make waves in the Irish music industry. I played with him live on a few occasions and it was truly a pleasure. A mix of country, folk and rock, the lightness of touch in both lyrics and music is really refreshing. He's been getting great write-ups. He deserves to be huge.
From an extremely musical family, Dublin organist, pianist, composer, songwriter Ronan Murray's music is truly unique. Using the piano to ground his songs, his fluid and largely classical-inspired compositional style brings the listener back to the early songs of Jimmy Webb and Randy Newman. Quite difficult to describe, you're best advised listening to his mp3's that are conveniently provided at the website.
I also played and recorded with Castlebar singer/songwriter Breda Mayock and love her music. Watch out for her over the next few years. Not sure when the album will be out but definitely worth pursuing.