Yes David, he is a brilliant young talent. I purchased his CD, "O" at the end of last year via his website:
If you dig his music there is a whole new wave of young Irish music in a similar vein:
Gemma Hayes, released a very strong debut,"Night On My Side" last year. The album will be released on Astralwerks in the States this comming month or so. Also released two EP's the year before. A gentle mix of folk and "My Bloody Valentine" guitars. Short Listed for a Mecury Prize last year.
Paddy Casey, Put out a album, that America ignored two years ago, called "Amen(So Be It)", on Columbia Records. He is set to release a new CD this year in Ireland.
David Kitt, I've mentioned his music on this board numerous times. A mix of folk, rock and low-fi electronics. Very Big in Ireland and a good friend of Damien Rice. He has two CD's out in Ireland/Europe. Both of them are worth checking out. His new one was recorded in New Orleans this past fall and should see the light of day this year, but most likely as a Import.
Mundy, very strong singer/songwriter from Ireland. Often compared to David Gray. You may remember him from the soundtrack to "Romeo and Juliet" a few years ago.
The Frames, Kind of the grandfather to all of the artists mentioned above. They have four or five albums out now. Very strong folk based rock music. Recently on tour in the states. Strong fan base in New York and Boston.
Then there are a slew of artists that have either personal connections to the Irish talents above or fan base that they like as well:
Josh Ritter, very good friends of The Frames, David Kitt and Damien Rice. I've posted his info and sung his praises, numerous times before. Based out of the Boston area. On tour now.
Tom McRae, English singer/songwriter. Two brilliant albums under his belt. Sounds the most like Damien Rice.
James Yorkston and The Athletes, Often compared to John Martyn and Van Morrison. High praises are justified in their brilliant debut last year,"Moving Up Country". Gaining a very strong fan base in Ireland. They are out of Scotland, I believe?
Neil Halstead, Most of the artists above have mentioned Neil's, "Sleeping On Highways" as a favorite last year. Leader of the band, Mojave 5. Just a georgeous mix of folk and keyboards and electronics. Out on the 4AD label.
It seems that since of the huge sucess of David Gray in Ireland has spawned a whole new generation of fans who appreciate singer/songwriter music, and a record industry that has yet to acknowlege it, there or anywhere for that matter!!! All of the artist I have listed are either on a indie label or self released their own CD's It's geat that there in such a high concetration for this style of music somewhere on this planet. It's even greater that important artists like yourself are discovering it!!! Happy listening. Most of the music I mentioned can be found on the artists website.
Happy hunting!!!
Cheers,
Kevin (fromArizona)
