Claire Watts Releases Album & Announces Irish Gigs

Recorded in Miltown Malbay in the heart of west Clare, the songs on Clare's new album cover a wide range of subjects.
"There is a song, that is a tribute to Aylan Kurdi, the little boy who made global headlines when he was drowned attempting to flee war torn Syria a few years ago," she tells Hot Press.
While the track 'Life Beyond the Sea' is a song in memory of all the young people who have lost their lives to suicide.
Claire’s says her favourite song is the title track of the album is 'Landmark' which she describe as a love song written for her husband Gerry Hegarty. "And was the obvious choice for the album title," she says.

The album also features the song 'My Heart Lies in Miltown Malbay', the first single release from the album which has gained great momentum both nationally and internationally following radio airplay. Check it out here.

Claire is playing a series of intimate boutique style gigs over the next few weeks, and is delighted to be also touring the UK in August, with dates to be confirmed soon. She will play the following dates in June
Friday 15th June - Folk ’n’ Soup Club Ballina, Co. Tipperary
June Sunday 24th June - The Polytunnell Sessions, Ennistymon
June Saturday 30th June - The Secret Garden Tea Shop, Galway
The album was recorded and produced by Martin O Malley of Malbay Studios the album features a talented group of musicians: Jono Connell on double bass, Sharon Howley on cello, Jim Higgins on Percussion, Chris Wood on guitar, Martin O Malley on mandolin, 5 string banjo and guitars and Shona Blake, Anne Rynne and Gerry Hegarty on backing vocals and Claire herself on vocals, flute and guitars.
Praising the new album, Hans Werksman said: "Irish folk singer Claire Watts has a knack for writing love songs that sound as old as the hills. The title track from her new album 'Landmark' is a gentle heartfelt tribute to the love of her life, the man who is her 'North Star' and 'compass of my heart'.
" Add a bright acoustic guitar and the backing vocals of husband Gerry Hegarty as part if the equation and the result is a song that will be appreciated by fans of Ciara Sidine and Sandy Denny."
Speaking about her previous EP, John Spillane said that "Claire Watts is a lovely singer with a clear, honest and beautiful voice. You'd have to have a heart of stone
not to be moved by these songs".

For more info see www.clairewatts.ie