Elle Marie and Christmas by the Lee
Cork singer Elle Marie O’Dwyer has released a six-track EP entitled Christmas by the Lee. The title track was composed by Elle Marie and is a wonderful addition to the native ballad tradition of celebrating a sense of home and place, especially for those in exile at Christmas time.
The CD includes the regular Christmas classics, Silent Night, O Holy Night, and Mistletoe and Wine as well as the lovely bluegrass gospel standard, Beautiful Star of Bethlehem. The other track is The Kerry Christmas Carol composed by Sigerson Clifford and Tim Dennehy.
The songs were recorded at Pat Donegan Studios in Causeway, Co Kerry, and are the latest string to the bow of this talented traditional singer from the Rebel County.
James Kilbane for Ballycastle show
Achill singer James Kilbane will present his Christmas evening of music and song in St Bridget’s Church, Ballycastle, next Sunday 15 December at 7pm. This seasonal evening is being staged to help with the costs for renovation work at the stage which was built back in the 1930s.
James will feature a pleasant blend of country and gospel songs and will also include some with a seasonal Christmas flavour. Donation tickets are €10 and are available from outlets across the region or directly from Tony at 086-870 4125, Mary at 086-3159 143 or Brian at 096-43 010 and any of the organising committee members.
Stephen and John bereaved
The country music fraternity extends condolences to Stephen Smyth, Portaferry, Co Down, on the recent death of his father, Patsy. Stephen was a multi-instrumentalist, singer and studio producer and is hugely respected on the Irish country scene.
Condolences are also tendered to John Taylor from Aughnacloy, Co Tyrone, a member of the Stephen Smyth Band and former member of Big Tom and The Travellers band, on the recent passing of his mother.
Christmas in Ireland from Susan McCann
Susan McCann returned to the recording scene this Christmas with the release of her festive single, Christmas in Ireland. The song was written and produced by Dermot McQuaid who played guitar with Susan’s band, The Storytellers, for many years. The song marks somewhat of a departure in style for Susan as it is highly original in lyric format and music. The chorus lines are:
When it’s Christmas in Ireland,
When the sight of the snow on the rocks of Mayo,
Means it’s Christmas time in Ireland,
And the wind and the roar of the Donegal shore,
Means it’s Christmas time in Ireland.
The song is released by H&H Music in association with Sharpe Music.
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Country Sound: home to Headford for Christmas
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