The north-west is a hot bed of creativity at the moment. Belfast-born and Donegal-based Richard Gilpin is gearing up for the release of his third album which features some very special guest performances. Loose Ends hits the streets on February 10 and includes contributions from Choice Award nominee Duke Special [right] and Cathal Hayden of Four Men And A Dog fame. The 11 tracks are a sonic cocktail of rock, country, blues and trad. The long-player was recorded at Valley Studios in Ballybofey, Co Donegal, co-produced with Terry McGinty.
In other local news Donegal chanteuse Aine O’ Doherty, aka Onya is generating some serious interest in the USA. Recent packed shows in the Roxy on Sunset Strip and the nearby Genghis Cohen served as a warm-up for four dates at McMullans in Las Vegas early next month. Irish fans can look forward to a nationwide tour in spring to accompany the long awaited debut CD. A live taster for the album will be served up in the Chasin’ Bull in Bundoran on February 16 when Onya and full band make a welcome return to the home county. A word of warning, Onya recently traded her Gibson for a Telecaster for a raunchier rockchic sound so brace yourself for an edgier, louder version of her previous self! You can check out new material on www.onyaonline.com, or the unavoidable www.myspace.com/onyamusic.
Moving on to single news: Kildare’s Henry Sails’ debut is out now on Redbelly Records. The band spent much of last year writing and recording in between support slots to Nina Hynes and the Husbands, The Revs and Kill City Defectors. The double a sided single ‘Kickin’ the Leaves Around’/‘Sunflowers’ was mastered by Steve Rooke at Abbey Road and the tracks are culled from summer recording sessions in Crowboy Studios, Co Meath. Get your mits on a copy now at Road Records, Tower Records, Top Twenty and online from www.henrysails.com.
Dublin’s Reemo release their new single ‘Rushin’ Man’ on January 26. This is the second track taken from the forthcoming album which is due for a summer release. Will keep you posted on album news.
Also on January 26, The Coronas’ ‘Decision Time’ (3ú Records) hits the streets. The debut features three tracks written by songwriter and lead singer Danny O Reilly, and includes a bonus video of ‘Decision Time’. The single is a prequel to the band’s debut album, which is due to be released this summer.
They have built up a fan-base and last year beat off stiff competition to win the coveted Jack Daniels Set.
Turning to the live circuit: Limerick gains a new regular gig night when Kennel District begins its weekly residency at the Underground venue in the rejuvenated Baker Place on Tait Square on January 25. The great news is that this gig night which is followed by an indie/alternative club is free of charge! One of the mid-west’s newest talents, Alkali Flat, provides the entertainment on the opening night.
And finally Ross Breen makes a welcome return to Whelans on February 3. With a slew of high-profile support slots under his belt – BellX1, Mundy and Juliet Turner to name but a few – and a string of successful home-grown releases, such as the divine ‘3 Songs’, the troubador with the smart suit and trilby has built up a loyal following. Get down to Whelans for a night of guaranteed top-notch entertainment.