Three decades down the country trails, Mick Flavin honours the occasion with the release of his latest album entitled Country & Gospel.

The Longford man goes right back to his roots with this 15-track collection, produced by Jonathon Owens in Granard. There’s not even a whiff of cross-over country here. This is traditional country music that has always found a willing home in many hearts all over this island.

Country standards include The Old Log Cabin For Sale, Day Time Friends, Jeannie Norman, A Place In The Country, I Can’t Be Myself. There is also a duet with Mary Duff on Size Seven Round and Made of Gold, a major song in America for George Jones and Lacy J Dalton in former times.

The Gospel side of the album is reflected with the inclusion of such favourites as The Land Where We Never Grow Old, He Took Your Place, I Heard My Mother Call My Name In Prayer, and Who Will Pray For Me.

A musical journey

“The music journey has been good to me and has taken me to places I could never have imagined as a young lad growing up in Longford. We toured in the UK, America, and Australia.

“I even got to sing in the Grand Ole Opry in 2006, when I was introduced on stage by George Hamilton IV, a real gentleman and a wonderful ambassador for country music and who is sadly no longer with us,” says Mick.

Country & Gospel is the latest in a long line of albums recorded by Mick since the early days and I’m Gonna Make It After All. His most requested songs remain Wild Flowers, Maria’s Heading Out To California, The Old School Yard, Back Home To My Donegal, and Jennifer Johnson and Me.

“I am delighted with the response we are getting to the new album. And I am very thankful to all at Rosette Records for the big effort they are putting behind the album. Support like this makes all the difference.”

Show plans

Mick is planning a series of shows around Ireland and the UK, along with special guests, to celebrate his 30 years in country music from 1987 to 2017.

The annual Mick Flavin and Friends Weekend takes place in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, from Friday to Sunday, 21 April to 23 April.

Gerry Guthrie and band open proceedings on Friday night from 10pm to midnight, followed by Mick and his band until 2am.

Eamon McCann and his band open on Saturday night at 10pm, with Mick and band taking it through to 2am. They will also perform for the Sunday afternoon dance form 3pm to 5pm.

Further details are available from the hotel reception on (094) 937 8000.