Derek Moloney
Lilac Wine
This is Limerick Tenor, Derek Moloney’s fourth independent release, two of which previously spent time at No. 1 in the classical charts. The broad pallet of music styles covered on this album from Irish favourites Raglan Road, Sweet Sixteen to the operatic Nessun Dorma and onto modern popular songs written by Linda Thomson and Fran Healy all blend together as a cohesive collection thanks to the subtle and sparse musical arrangements of Denis Allen and prove Derek Moloney’s worth not only as a fine tenor but an excellent interpreter of songs.
Starting with the albums title track a James Shelton composition recounting the experience of someone getting drunk from the “wine from the lilac tree” to feel closer to a lost loved-one, Denis Allen’s understated introduction leads into the singer’s opening lines perfectly evoking the feelings of loss and hazy confusion being experienced by the song’s subject. Caruso is a track in classic tenor-singing tradition where Derek Moloney’s expressive timbre tells the imagined story of Italian opera legend Enrico Caruso in his final days on an old terrace overlooking the gulf of Sorrento reflecting on his life and finding comfort in the eyes of the young girl in his arms.
And though Paul Anka’s My Way is undoubtedly a well worn classic and victim of many late night drunken bashings, Derek Moloneys wonderful singing revitalises the song, taking it to a crescendo making it the highlight of the album.
This is a beautiful collection that will delight the listener and will reach out and connect with anyone who enjoys well-loved songs well sung.
Mick O’Brien
Pickup Trucks & Sulkys
‘PICKUP Trucks & Sulkys’ is the recently released CD from local songwriter Mick O’Brien. It features fifteen original songs played in a country and western style relating to highs and lows of every day life from the comedic ‘No Drink Today’ to laments for old comrades who have past on. Proceeds from the sale of the CD go to Rosbrien Suicide Awareness Group, a cause close to Mick’s heart and the subject of his song ‘Lonely our Nights’. Though Mick doesn’t play live gigs, preferring to write and record when time allows he did appear recently at a Suicide Awareness Group meeting to play a new composition, ‘O Lord, Our Youth are Dying’. Recorded at Glenwood Studio in Newport with highly-regarded musician, Pete Creighton playing guitar, keyboards and percussion gives the rockier tracks ‘The Hitman and ‘Look at these Walls’ a particularly good edge.
‘Pickup Trucks & Sulkys’ will not be found online or in record shops but is available from Mick’s premises in Park’s Yard, St. Patrick’s Road.
