Mike’s eclectic mix

Mike Denver offers his own piece of advice with the title of his latest album, Slow Down, Enjoy Yourself. The 15-track album was recorded in a number of studios with various producers, which also showcases another modern trend.

This is an eclectic mix of songs and styles ranging from Memories Are Made of This to Dreaming My Dreams and Don’t Mess with My Toot Toot. Other songs include Silver Haired Daddy of Mine, Billy Can’t Read, Walk With Me, I Want You To Want Me (covered by the late Glen Curtin), San Bernardino, and Hey God.

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Mike also included the Ed Sheerin song, Nancy Mulligan, as well as a catchy new number, Galway Tae, penned by Seán and Tommy Moran from Castlerea which is proving one of the most popular numbers on the album.

Mike’s new album is marketed by Sharpe Music in Dungannon and they can be checked out at www.sharpemusic.com.

Muriel putting on the style

Muriel O’Connor and Fran Curry have gone back in time for their choice of new single. The song, Marty Gray, has a real teenage feel of the 1960s era with a hint of rock ‘n roll and country combined along the way.

The Limerick lady brings her own style and humour to the lyrics and video of the song which is the follow-up to Don’t Roll Those Bloodshot Eyes at Me. The song was a sizeable country hit for Billie Jo Spears back in 1970 and looks set to go down a treat at their countywide gigs.

The song, recorded at Gaf Studio in Tipperary and engineered by Joe Gallagher with production by Fran Curry, features Dave Keary and Philip Donnelly on guitars, Eoghan O’Neill on bass, Danny Sheerin on harmonies and Ricky Ryan on Drums.

Look out for Muriel and Fran at venues all around the country and on their popular weekly show on Keep It Country TV on Sky 376 and Freesat 516.

Tipperary Song Contest

The annual Tipperary International Song of Peace Contest will take place on October 6, 2018. Songs of peace, love, harmony, and anything that one feels constitutes a ‘sense of peace’ are all welcome. The first prize is a cheque for €1,500 and a Crystal award.

Martin Quinn tells us the entry forms are now available by contacting tipppeace@gmail.com or through the Tipperary Song of Peace Facebook Page. The closing date for receipt of entries is July 27, 2018. The Tipperary Song of Peace Contest is supported by IMRO.

Niamh is Havin’ A Ball

Fresh from a guest appearance on the recording of Opry le Daniel for TG4 in Derry, Niamh Lynn has just released her self-penned single, Havin’ A Ball. This high energy song marks the latest chapter in her expanding career.

Festival shows in Denmark, Holland, Germany and Austria are sprinkled in her diary this summer as well as UK dates for the Tribute to the Classic Ladies of Country tour.

The recent TG4 recording, which will air later in the year, saw her on stage along with American country singers Leona Williams, Rita Coolidge, Georgette Jones, and Tayla Lynn. These are certainly busy times for Niamh.

Birmingham flavour

A song composed by Henry McMahon of The Mainliners has found favour with Eamonn Jackson. The Cavan man has recorded The Girl I Love Now Lives in Birmingham as his brand new single.

This song was first recorded by Big Tom and included on one of his albums a good many years ago. Eamonn’s version was produced by Jonathan Owens at Spot Studios in Granard.

Max at home in Ireland

Nashville songwriter and singer, Max T Barnes, has taken a major shine to Ireland. The place has become his second home in recent years with numerous trips across the Atlantic.

This week sees the release of his new single and music video, You Gotta Be Putting Me On, a fun song composed by his late father, Max D Barnes, many years ago.

Irish audiences will get a chance to see Max on stage this summer when he does guest spots in the Gleneagle Hotel, Killarney, on Saturday, June 30, Kilkenny Country Festival at Gowran Park on Sunday, July 1, The Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe, on July 3, Moneygall Country Festival on July 8, the Brú Ború Theatre, Cashel, on July 23, Gleneagle, Killarney, on August 5, and the Clonmel Park Hotel on August 9.