John McIntyre is following dreams

Cavan’s John McIntyre has returned to the scene in recent weeks with the launch of his second album Follow Your Dreams. The 14-track compilation is a superb showcase of John’s material, ranging from country, to trad and jazz. Old memories linger and John even sings a song on the album that has special memories.

“I was a member of the band Gerry Black and The Seasons. Included on this album is a song called Each Season Changes You. I have fond memories of playing this song with Gerry Black and the band in the 1970s as this was our signature tune back then.”

Country tracks on this collection include Wabash Cannonball, Heartaches By The Number, Wildwood Flower, Country Roads and The Tennessee Waltz. Other standards include Stranger On The Shore, Zambezi, Alexander’s Ragtime Band and She Wears Red Fathers. John McIntyre and Brass Roots are now playing shows all over the country. For information call 086-820-5445.

Singer is recovering

Cork singer Tony Stevens is making good progress after a recent car accident near Moate in Co Westmeath. Tony was taken to Tullamore Regional Hospital, but is now making a full recovery.

Back in the early 1990s, Tony and his band were involved in a serious road accident between Milltown and Tuam on their way home from a dance in Midfield, Co Mayo. Tony eventually made it back to the showbiz circuit after several operations.

“I was lucky to come out of the recent accident relatively unscathed,” said Tony. “It brought back a lot of memories of the crash in Co Galway over 20 years ago. Thank God I am doing grand and I am hoping to get back on the scene as soon as I can. I am also looking for some good songs as I feel the urge to go back into the studio again.”

Tony recently returned from a stint in Lanzarote where he played some shows in the famous Bodhran Bar, run by Cork man and musician Johnny Crowley.

Sadness at passing of Cha Heaslip

Country music followers around Cavan and neighbouring areas were deeply saddened last week to hear of the sudden death of Charles Heaslip in Cavan General Hospital. Charles, or Cha as he was known to many, was from Carrickaboy and was keyboard, bass player and leader with Kay and The Nashville Sound. He had a great love for country music since his teenage years and was widely-known and regarded around the region.

“Charles was a real gentleman and he loved the country music circuit,” says Gregory O’Reilly from Virginia. “The Nashville Sound are a very popular band in these parts. He will be sadly missed by his family and so many friends in County Cavan.”

He is survived by his wife Kathleen, son Jimmy, daughters Kathleen and Frances, brother James Henry, sisters Margaret and Frances, grandchildren, Shauna, Emma, Daniel, Camron, Aoibhin and Joshua, in-laws and friends.

Walk the line

Ben Troy is walking the country line. The 14-year-old from Magheracloone, near Carrickmacross, has just released his debut solo album, Keeping It Country.

It’s a new milestone for the teenager, who has been on the music scene since he joined the Donaghmoyne Youth Marching Band at the age of five – with which he later won two Ulster medals and two All-Ireland Champions medals for playing the tin whistle.

Three years ago, Ben decided country music was the way to go.

“My first opportunity to sing on a big stage was in Ballyconnell, Co Cavan, with Mick Flavin. He heard me sing and referred me to Steve Bloor, who is also a cameraman for the Phil Mack International Country Show. Steve made a video for my father and myself. He heard us sing and play music and then decided to manage us. We had a great four years with Steve and had great success. I play the guitar, tin whistle, the bass guitar, banjo and the mandolin. When I perform on stage, nothing compares with it. I have done a few shows with the Phil Mack International Country Show and I have enjoyed every minute of them. I have a few more shows booked with Phil later this year and early next year over in Wales and England,” says Ben.

The new album, which includes many favourites such as Forever and Ever Amen, Country Roads, Three Wooden Crosses, The Dance, The Walk of Life and Cannibals, is now on general release. It was produced by Tony Reilly and among the artists featured is legendary Monaghan guitarist Pakie McDermott. Watch out for Ben, who is a regular performer on the Phil Mack Country Show on Sky 191.