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Connemara Matthew is new kid on the block
Matthew O’Donnell is keeping it country in style. The young man from Connemara has just released his latest album, Crazy for Country.
This is the latest road on the country trail for Matthew and there are major plans in place to launch him on the countrywide circuit in 2018. Seán Moran, the former drummer with the Mike Denver Band, has high hopes that Matthew is destined for the big breakthrough this year.
Matthew feels this album is the perfect launch pad for the latest phase in his expanding career.
“It has something for so many country fans, with some old and new American songs, some from the country and Irish genre, as well as some fresh, original material especially written for me.
I am privileged to be joined by Mike Denver, Mick Flavin and Declan Nerney as honoured guests on the tribute song, O Philly, Sing Me, the song written for me by Seán and Tommy Moran from Castlerea that pays homage to Philomena Begley.
“The Moran brothers also wrote the title track, Crazy for Country, while Seán was joined by well-known Irish journalist John Waters, also from Castlerea, for a co-write of Sweethearts By Saturday. I am very excited about the early response to the album and I am so much looking forward to doing regular shows in the coming year.”
The 15-track album was recorded at Harmony Studios in Letterkenny and produced by Brian Kerrigan. It features some of the foremost musicians on the circuit, including Al McQuilkin, Richard Nelson, Declan O’Hare, Kane O’Rourke, Terry Byrne, Jonathan Owens, James Blennerhassett, Chris Knight, Eamon McLoughlin and with Danny Sheerin on backing vocals.
The album is being marketed by Martin Butterworth and the team at irishmusic.co.uk.
All enquiries about Matthew can be directed to Seán Moran on 086-8977498.
Jimmy and Lorraine duet
Few people have been around the band circuit in the Ulster region and overseas more than Jimmy Hendry. The Derry native, who now resides in Sion Mills, has had an amazing career, which has included several years on the Canadian circuit.
These times Jimmy remains in constant demand as a band-leader for concert shows and other gigs. His Golden Years of Country concept series of albums, DVDs and shows, reflects his enduring love and knowledge of country music down through the years.
Jimmy has just recorded a duet single with Lorraine McDonald of The Conquerors. The song, Across The Divide, is due for release around March and Jimmy is delighted with the end result.
Meanwhile, he has just issued another new single, Family Life, a song composed by Adam Harvey from Australia. Jimmy is also on tour with the Keltic TV Let’s Go Down Memory Lane Showband Show, which is doing a series of concerts this January.
Cork Showband nostalgia
Showband nostalgia is back in vogue down Cork way these days. Rolling Back The Years is the title of album with the legends of the Cork Showband era, as well as some guest performers.
This collection of 19 tracks will hold special appeal for aficionados of the showband era and even more so for those with Cork connections.
The artists featured on the album are Art Supple, Joe Mac, Pat Lynch, Tony Stevens, Declan Ryan, Teddy McCarthy and Oliver O’Donnell. There are also guest contributions by Crystal Swing, Sandy Kelly and Johnny Carroll.
Tony Stevens.
Shaun back on track
The new album from Shaun Loughrey was released just before Christmas. The 12-track collection was recorded at Ballyrose Studios in Roscommon and engineered by Wayne Thorose.
The album includes some old favourites like Bed of Roses, Mr Jones and They Baptized Jessie Taylor, as well as some more recent numbers. Friends of Shaun will especially like his take on Mississippi, the continental country hit of 1976 for Dutch group Pussycat.
Shaun is back on track in every way again and is currently performing regular dates on the social dancing circuit. More details about Shaun’s new album and dates can be had by calling 0044-7713718986 or accessing www.shaunloughrey.org.
Shaun Loughrey.
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