Shane Owens launches on the scene

The 18-year-old from Reading near London is travelling the same route undertaken by such artists as Nathan Carter, Lisa McHugh, Shaun Loughrey and the Benn Sisters, by relocating to Ireland to further his music career.

Walking On The Waves is the debut single from the young singer, who was raised on country music in his family home. Both his parents are from Cavan and many of his school holidays were spent in the Breffni county.

Shane, who has been signed up by Joe Finnegan of J & C Promotions, has now decided to move back to Cavan as he sets out on the showbusiness trail.

Songs from the Rossie

Roscommon man Billy Garvin has released his debut album after many years on the circuit. Billy has featured with various bands, including the Ollie Maloney Showband from Tuam as well as The Tree Tops from Roscommon.

Songs from the Rossie is a collection of 10 of Billy’s favourites and nothing has been spared in the production of this album.

It features a host of Ireland’s leading country musicians and was arranged and produced by Wayne Thorose and Martin Cleary.

Among the songs included are Little Ole Wine Drinker Me, Pretty Brown Eyes, The Old Claddagh Ring, Mexican Joe, Belinda, A Little Bit More, Battle of New Orleans and a nice waltz selection.

Billy shows how local singers should go about recording an album.

Jim Ed dies

in Nashville

Nashville lost another of its veteran stars last week with the passing of Jim Ed Brown. The Arkansas native was 81 and enjoyed a long career in country music.

Jim, together with his sisters, enjoyed a million-selling hit back in 1959 with the Three Bells (also known as Little Jimmy Brown), a song produced by the legendary guitar player Chet Atkins.

The song topped both the country and pop charts, and ushered in a new era for the Browns, who became synonymous with the smooth sounds of country folk. Other major hits for the Brown family included Scarlett Ribbons and The Old Lamplighter.

Later times saw Jim Ed duet with Helen Cornelius and they enjoyed some sizeable hits, and also recorded a fine gospel album, Family Bible.

A member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1963, he continued to perform some shows up until recently.

Gold and Silver Memories

from Betty

Gold and Silver Memories is the debut album from Betty Lawrence from Coleraine. She has also recorded a DVD to accompany all 12 songs on the album.

“I have fulfilled my dream of recording an album of some of my favourite songs. I would like to dedicate the album with all my love to my mother, Peggy McCarthy. A special thanks to Kieran Towey (Mayo) for all his time and effort in producing this CD, and Pat Jordan (Manchester and Wicklow) for his help and advice,” says Betty.

Among the songs featured are Crystal Chandeliers, Satin Sheets, Silver Threads, I Fall To Piece, Blanket On The Ground, Say You Love Me and her own number, Coleraine.

Golden Jubilee

for Tom

Celebrations to mark the golden jubilee in the music business of Tom McDonald from Mountmellick were held recently at the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel. Tom also has a long association with the farming scene in his home county of Laois.

Tom was joined by a host of entertainers for the festivities and a most enjoyable night was had by all. Tom and his band played many of the big carnival dances in the midlands in former times and many friends from over the years came along to share this special night of nostalgia in Laois.

Noel sings the songs of Ted

The Cross at Rennagown is the title of a new 10-track album from Noel Hartnett from down south.

A feature of this collection is that all 10 songs were written by Ted Leizeyyneski from Headford, Killarney.

Almost all of Ted’s songs on this album have a strong connection with his home area, including the title song as well as Old Dunmanway Town, The Abhann Ní Chroí, and The Fields Around Athea.

The album is sure to pick up good airplay in the west Munster region and well done to Noel for recording a full album of Ted’s original songs.

Anyone requiring further information about the album can contact Ted on 086-389-4971.

Easy listening from Simon

and Desi

Two singers from the midlands, Simon Casey and Desi Egan, have recorded a new album, Easy Listening Favourites, with a launch pencilled in for 5 October at the Radisson Hotel, Athlone. They have just issued a single, To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before, as a taste of what to expect later on.

Simon came to prominence through the You’ re A Star show on RTÉ some years back and has since being honoured with various accolades along the way.

Desi has featured as a musician with numerous singers and bands over the years, and has also spent a lot of time overseas.

He has now teamed up vocally with Simon to record some well-known classics and both singers are delighted with the early response from music lovers.

Bring along those Dancing Shoes

Former Glór Tíre winner Michael Regan has chosen an original number for his latest release. Don’t Forget Your Dancing Shoes was penned by Shunie Crampsey from Donegal and is geared strongly at the dancing market. These are busy times for Michael, who is also chairman of Loughrea GAA Club.

Tipperary

plans ahead

Cahir House Hotel in Tipperary will host a big fundraising dance in support of Crumlin Children’s Hospital and Cappawhite Day Centre on Tuesday 22 August. The venture is being coordinated by Caroline Walshe.

Among those who have been booked for the night are Lisa McHugh, Crystal Swing, Gerry Guthrie, Lee Matthews, Gloria, Kathy Crinion, Simon Casey, Shane Owens, Davitts Country Band, Damien Bowe, Keith and Lorraine McDonald, Trevor Loughrey, Paul Kelly, Simon Peters, Patrick and Conor O’Sullivan, and the Ryan Turner Band.

Tickets are €20 and the compere will be Mossie Richardson from Tipperary Mid West Radio. CL