Tyrone man Jim Devine is on a good roll these days. The young country singer, who first came to national prominence when coached by Kian Egan of Westlife on The Voice of Ireland on RTÉ, has been carving out his own career on the music circuit. He has just launched his debut album, Devine Country.

A gala night in the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown last Thursday marked the official launch of the album and a full house was present to sent Jim on his way in style. The guest artists were Jimmy Buckley and Johnny Brady.

“We had a brilliant night,” says Jim. “People are so good. I was amazed at all the cards and good wishes and all the cakes on the night too.

“I am so thankful to all the people who have rowed in behind me. We are just a year on the road now and it has been a great journey. People are always rooting for you.

“It’s a great feeling to go out there and do your best and know that the people want you to succeed.”

A novel thing about Jim’s new 12-track album is that it was recorded in four different studios, something that brings some fine diversity to the overall production.

It is a nice mix of Irish and American material, ranging from the Kris Kristofferson classic, Help Me Make It Through The Night to the Thomas Moore number, Saw You Running.

Irish songwriters

Irish songwriters are featured too and songs include: Ireland’s Turning Country, composed by Pat McLean from Ballybofey; Baby Baby, a song written by Peter McKeever from Derry; Leighann Loves to Dance by Don Woods; and two traditional Tyrone songs, The Old Road from Omagh to Dromore and A Village In Co Tyrone.

The album is available in record stores all over Ireland, online at www.SharpeMusic.com and on iTunes download.

Jim has already picked up a number of major awards this year, including one from Irish Country Sound during our awards in Athlone.

“We are very pleased with how things are going. The north is especially good to us, there is a great vibrancy to the scene in those parts.

“We have very strong bookings for all the top venues this year.

Jim, who also takes care of “a wee herd of Aberdeen Angus” on the farm at home at Douglas Bridge in Co Tyrone, will host a second launch night for Devine Country in the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan, on Easter Monday. Brendan Shine will join Jim and the band on the night.