Music has always been a way of life for Eddie Lee from Kerry. The man from Ballyheigue has been to the forefront on the Munster circuit for many years where he is synonymous with both country and céili music.

Just over a year ago, he launched The Kingdom Céilí Band. They now play dates in many parts of the country and go down a treat with dancers. “The set dancers like our music and style. We have had return bookings for every venue so that’s a good sign,” smiles Eddie.

Country music has always been close to Eddie’s heart. “I grew up on country music and the songs of Big Tom, Margo, Gene Stuart, Frankie Carroll and all the big names from those years. The so called ‘new country’ does nothing for me. I love the songs of the true greats like Charley Pride, Don Williams, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Tom T Hall and all those who helped make country music so popular.

“My new album contains a nice mix of country standards and some original country songs in the traditional style. These are the kind of songs I love to sing and which appeal to the audiences that I play to on the country circuit,” says Eddie.

One song on the album that looks set to find a lot of favour with DJs and listeners is Eddie’s rendition of the Don Williams classic, Where The Arkansas River Leaves Oklahoma. The Wayne Holyfield composition is perfectly suited to Eddie’s mellow voice and he delivers a class performance on this majestic country song.

The songwriting talents of Eddie’s friend, Tommy James (also from Ballyheigue), is reflected in three numbers on the album, including the title track, Dancing With Friends, while two of my own compositions Dylan Went Down To Mexico and One More Look At Ramona are also included on this album.

The Lightning Express, Galway John, I Can’t Make My Dreams Understand, Water for My Horses, Knocklayd Mountain and Lord Have Mercy on a Country Boy are just some of the fine songs on this latest album from Eddie.

Apart from his hectic schedule on the country and céilí circuit, Eddie also operates his own Jenny Wren Studio in Ballyheigue where he records and produces singles and albums for many artists.

Joining Eddie for this big afternoon of dancing will be Southern Pride, Dermot Moriarty, Paudie and the Two Mikes, Marian Kirby, Ann Dillane, Danny and Mary O’Leary, Paudie McAuliffe, Mike Condon, and The Kingdom Céilí Band. CL

The launch of Eddie’s new album takes place at Startrax Studio, Knocknagree, close to the Cork-Kerry border on Sunday 1 December, starting at 2.30pm. Admission is €10 with dancing until late in the evening.