Have you heard the story about the Irish lady whose new release has been named as album of the month on more than 10 radio stations in Denmark? Welcome to the world of Kathy Crinion, the Meath native whose vocals are causing a major ripple across the water. Lovin’ What I Do is just about the most apt title in the world for the album from the lady from Trim. Produced in the UK by Pete Ware, who also works with Charlie Lansborough and others, this 12-track album is on a par with the best out there.

Kathy has a voice than can travel around the world. It has been compared with that of Karen Carpenter and Anne Murray, and neither is out of place. Her surging popularity in Denmark reflects an amazing talent and it is a reflection of the enduring belief of her manager, Howard Dee Crean, that things are now happening for her on a grand scale.

“American country is where I am at right now,” says Kathy.

“It has always been on my bucket-list to visit Nashville and that will come to pass in March when I head out there. I am really excited about the trip. It will give me a very special chance to meet some of the great songwriters and musicians who have helped me with this album.”

Pat Alger (who composed five No 1s for Garth Brooks), Wood Newton (Grammy winner) and Jan Buckingham (Grammy nominee for Whitney Houston) are just some of the people who have submitted some of their best work to Kathy. That, by any standard, is an amazing endorsement of the regard in which they hold this Irish singer. Rock ‘n’ Roll Banjo and the delightfully beautiful Tennessee Rain showcase in a remarkable manner where the Meath singer is at just now.

The album also features the song that caused the first flutter of excitement and announced her arrival in style, I’m Just Not That Lonely Anymore. Queen of Hearts, a mega hit for Juice Newton in 1981, provides Kathy with another avenue for her vocal talent. Millie is the song that has caught fire for her in Denmark while the album also contains two of her own compositions.

“I adore singing and song-writing. I suppose in some respects I am a middle-of-the-road girl but the American country trail is where I’m heading these days. I am especially at home singing love songs. The interest in my new album is heart-warming and I am privileged that so many people are lending their support right now,” says Kathy, who was among the winners at the Irish Farmers Journal awards concert in Athlone last March.

An Irish concert tour is in the planning for spring with a six-piece band under the direction of Frank Downey from Portumna.

“Between the tour and the trip to Nashville, 2016 looks like a special year. I now have the time to follow my dream. I really love what I’m doing.”

Lovin’ What I Do is on the UK-based label ISG Records, and is now available in record stores. Further details can be had from Kathy’s social media pages or her website at www. kathycrinion.com

Take Me Back to Tulsa is the brand new album from Co Derry singer Ed Sweeney. This is the follow up to his highly impressive debut album, Another Stage, which features a variety of styles, including the beautiful old Derry song, The Gem of The Roe.

Ed includes a delightful mix of favourites on this class album, produced by one of the best in the business, Paul McNeilly from Ballymoney. The title track is a Bob Wills’ classic dating back to 1941 and the days of western swing music in the southern states of America. Other favourites are The Streets of Baltimore, Don’t Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes, Wasn’t It A Party, My Lovely Irish Rose, The Tennessee Border, I’m A Stranger In My Own Hometown and The Rose of Mooncoin.

There are two great sing alongs including The Showband Medley and some other old favourites. Ed Sweeney’s soothing voice brings a special dimension to these songs. He puts his own unique stamp on them and Take Me Back to Tulsa is an album than any entertainer could be proud of. It is now available in record stores and from IrishMusic.co.uk

Donegal comes to Moate

Patrons can dance the night away in The Well in Moate on Saturday 21 November when the Donegal contingent will travel down to the popular Westmeath venue. On stage will be Trevor Loughrey and Gary Gamble, and they will be backed by the Ryan Turner Band. Admission is just €10 for this Donegal-comes-to-Moate night, which should prove popular with dancers in the midlands.

Antrim launch for Joe Moore

Dungiven singer Joe Moore will launch his new album in The Ramble Inn, Antrim, this Thursday night 19 November. Joe is enjoying a fresh surge in popularity as he sticks rigidly to the sounds of traditional country music.

Joining him for the big night in the northeast are Tony Kerr, Jordan Mogey, Hugo Duncan, Gary Gamble, Caitlin Murtagh, Francie Donnelly, Chris Logue and Tracey McAuley.

Nathan to visit Castlebar

Nathan Carter will preside at a signing ceremony for his new CD and video, Live at The Marquee, in Downtown Records, Main Street, Castlebar, on Friday 20 November at 3pm. The 25-year-old, who was born in Liverpool, and who has strong roots in Co Down, has enjoyed a phenomenal year on the circuit and is currently on an extensive Irish concert tour.

Nathan has also had loads of television appearances as well as enjoying a high profile in the print media. Peadar and Maria Flynn from Downtown Records are expecting a big gathering at their premises on Main Street this Friday afternoon for the visit of Nathan to Castlebar.

New releases

Cliona Hagan has hit the ground running and is making a major impact in recent months. The young Tyrone singer has issued a new single, Cowboy Yodel, a follow-up single to her popular We’re All Gonna Die Someday debut number. Eamonn Jackson from Cavan has gone for the old Don Williams classic, I Recall A Gypsy Woman, as his latest single. Galway girl Áine Crehan has opted for an up-tempo contemporary American number, Gravy, as her choice. Over The Years is the new one from Waterford-based Mary Prendergast. The song was composed by Scottish entertainer Isla Grant.