Seamus Ruttledge

Much like Galway, Seamus Ruttledge's debut gig in the city’s Town Hall Studios was as laid back as a folded up deckchair by the Spanish Arch.

I digress. Shortly after this 'surprise', Ruttledge sauntered on to the stage with a lopey strut that you would not associate with nerves of a man

relatively new to the gigging game. Knocking out songs from his first album New Boots, New Shoes as well as some new material, Seamus sang of the simple things in life, and some of the more complex.

Supported by angelic backing singers, an almost motionless bass-player and a pianist, he sang of tapping people for two quid in Eyre Square on dole day, of the simple redemption of a new pair of shoes, and of cowboy movies. That’s the trivial... The complex dealt with violence, the Troubles, and, in 'The Secret Child', a dark and grim childhood spent in the infamous Lenaboy Orphanage in Salthill.

Before strumming out each tune in a style not unlike a young Christy Moore, Seamus explained the stories behind the songs. Things were so intimate and laid back that the singer commented "Ahh, more porter," as yours truly returned from the bar after getting his round in.

Infamously, Ruttledge plays his songs whatever way he feels like at that moment. Backing musicians threw a few nervous glances in his direction during the gig, but coped admirably and the result was a genuinely heartfelt standing ovation as they, along with Seamus, left the stage.