John Hughes' album goes global

Wild Ocean, the debut solo album by John Hughes has been confirmed for release in ten countries around the world – with others certain to follow. As the momentum behind the record increases, a brace of tracks have also been included in the Noel Pearson-produced movie Tara Road.

The film, which is based on the best selling Maeve Binchy book, and stars Andie McDowell and Stephen Rea, will go on general release in September. The two tracks chosen for the film – ‘Prelude’ and ‘Lament’ – are used a number of times during the soundtrack.

"The album is already out and doing very well in Ireland, the UK and Poland,” Hughes’ long-time associate Barry Gaster tells hotpress.com. “In April, the album is released in Germany, Holland, Sweden and New Zealand. The ship in Holland is particularly encouraging – they have a strong interest there in this kind of ambitious orchestral contemporary music and the record company love it, so they think it’ll do very well there.”

Spain and Japan will follow in May, with further releases being penciled in over the coming months.

Meanwhile, the first single from the Hughes/Gaster protégé, Tara Blaise’s new album Dancing On Tables Barefoot has been released to radio. ‘Paperback Cliché’ will hit the shops on May 13, to be followed by the album, which was produced by Olle Romo, on May 30. Now based in London, Blaise is the former lead singer with Dublin band Kaydee.