Catherine McGrath is the biggest name coming out of Northern Ireland right now when it comes to country music. It poses the question: are there more talented young musicians like her that are yet to be discovered? One of those who may begin to build up a following is a singer-songwriter hailing from Belfast. PádraigContinue reading “Padraig – Memories”
Category Archives: UK Country Music
Summer’s End Songwriters Show – Ty Pawb, Wrexham
Many have judged Tŷ Pawb, Wrexham’s new arts hub, to be a lame duck. Since its unveiling six months ago, the ‘Comments’ section of the local press has been filled with negativity towards it. A lack of atmosphere, disappointing architecture, and few events taking place there have led many, it seems, to dismiss it asContinue reading “Summer’s End Songwriters Show – Ty Pawb, Wrexham”
O&O – Truth Comes Out EP
Country-Americana duo O&O have been making waves this year. And the release of their debut EP Truth Comes Out is the biggest wave of theirs to crash onto the UK country scene so far. Comprising of four songs that showcase a range of musical styles, the EP is a mixture of shadow and light, mainstreamContinue reading “O&O – Truth Comes Out EP”
Catherine McGrath – Talk of This Town Tour
I wasn’t quite blown away by the wind and rain of Storm Bronagh on the way to Manchester. But I was blown away by the performance of one Catherine McGrath when I arrived. The Irish singer-songwriter stopped off at Gorilla as part of her first headline tour. And she was every bit as good asContinue reading “Catherine McGrath – Talk of This Town Tour”
Keepin’ ‘er Country – An Insight into the Irish Country Music Scene
Whilst searching for the Welsh TV hit Keeping Faith on BBC iPlayer a few weeks ago, my search also brought up the following suggestion as I began typing: Keepin’ ‘er Country. As a country music fan, I thought I’d click on it just to see what it was about. It may have been about theContinue reading “Keepin’ ‘er Country – An Insight into the Irish Country Music Scene”
Reflections – Hannah’s Yard
After their delightful debut album Beginnings, Hannah’s Yard are back with a beautiful follow-up in the shape of four-track EP Reflections. Comprising of three covers plus an acoustic version of one of their original songs, Reflections is the perfect showcase for lead singer Hannah Layton Turner’s angelic vocals. Having demonstrated her ability to write fantastic lyricsContinue reading “Reflections – Hannah’s Yard”
Talk of This Town – Catherine McGrath
Catherine McGrath represents the next stage in the UK country music revolution. I say this because it is not just BBC Radio 2 that are championing her. Scott Mills and others have been playing the 21-year-old’s music over on Radio 1 too. Her debut album Talk of This Town is bursting with the kind ofContinue reading “Talk of This Town – Catherine McGrath”
Moving On – The Rising
To attempt to define The Rising would be a mistake. They do not fit into a specific genre of music. I listened to their latest album off the back of a label that read: “country rock band”. Of course, this evokes a certain kind of sound. And whilst it does appear on the album, thereContinue reading “Moving On – The Rising”
Americana Night @ The Llangollen Fringe
It may be stripped down and laid bare compared to its international predecessor, the Eisteddfod, but the Llangollen Fringe has much to offer. After the big guns of Alfie Boe, Kaiser Chiefs and Van Morrison took to the stage at the Pavilion in front of hundreds last week, this week sees a host of muchContinue reading “Americana Night @ The Llangollen Fringe”
Megan O’Neill – Ghost of You
Irish singer-songwriter Megan O’Neill has just released a beautiful debut album that I would highly recommend listening to. Ghost of You is a lovely collection of songs that represent a wonderful opportunity for some easy listening on a summer’s afternoon. Served as a main course of ballads with a side of electric guitar-infused pop, itContinue reading “Megan O’Neill – Ghost of You”
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