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Barry Stuart from Tyrone is surely following in the footsteps of his legendary father. Gene Stuart commanded iconic status among devotees of genuine country music here in Ireland. The big man from Killeshill near Dungannon, who died in February 2016 following a short illness, was regarded as one of the finest country singers ever to grace our shores.
The debut album from Barry, A Heart Full of Memories, is a lovely and genuine tribute to his famous father. The 12-track album includes eleven songs previously released by Gene over the decades and there is a poignant story to the other song.
“Daddy was working on a new CD when he took ill. He was a great man to pick a song. He had the guide vocals down for a number of songs including one called They Don’t Make Love Like They Used To.
“It is a lovely song and is cut from the rich vein of the kind of songs he loved to sing.
“It would have been on his next album but, sadly for us all, it was not to be. I felt it would be nice to honour his choice of material and to include it on this album as a special tribute and one that his legion of fans would also appreciate,” says Barry.
Gene would have approved of Barry’s choice of material and his delivery and feel for the songs in this collection. Sing Your Heart Out Country Boy, a signature tune for Gene and The Homesteaders, down the years and a song made famous by Teddy and Doyle Wilburn from Arkansas, captures the essential nature of Barry’s debut album.
Here indeed is a country boy singing his heart out in the finest tradition of Tyrone singers who drink from the true fountain of country music. Barry sounds so at home singing the songs of Gene.
They include such classics as Dim Lights, Thick Smoke and Loud Loud Music, Before The Next Teardrop Falls, Hello Blues and Down The Road I Go, Far From Erin’s Shore, Kiss An Angel Good Morning and others recorded by the master.
“He recorded so many albums and so many great songs that it was hard to settle on the final selection. All of the ones included here are ones that rest easy with me and are among my favourites. The album does indeed hold a heart full of memories for me personally. This album is dedicated to the memory of my dad – Gene.”
The album was produced by Gene’s great friend and studio engineer, Eugene (Ownie) Smith, who worked as producer and arranger at Gene’s studios in Killeshill for many years and who has also produced numerous country shows for BBC Northern Ireland.
It also features Tony McIlvanna on lead guitar, Joe McNamee on pedal steel guitar and the Clinton Sisters on harmony vocals.
Many friends of the late Gene Stuart will gather for the official launch of Barry’s new album in Killeshill Community Centre in Tyrone on Monday 27 May. Full details of the acts appearing on the show will be announced later. The new album is now available from Stewart’s Music Shop, Dungannon, Co Tyrone or by contacting Barry via email on barrystuart@yahoo.com.
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