LEO O’KELLY, solo artist and one half of legendary folk-rock duo Tír Na nÓg (with Sonny Condell ), plays Kelly’s on Wednesday July 6 at 9pm as part of the Colours Fringe Festival.
The concert is the Galway launch for Leo’s new album Will (Life & Living Records ) which was recently chosen as RTÉ Radio 1’s Album Of The Week.
The 12 song collection features lyrics by Liverpool poet John McKeown with music by O’Kelly. Will contains a number of particularly strong songs, most notably the title track, which succeeds on contrasts. The contrast between the male and female vocals (O’Kelly and Hetty Lane ) works a treat, as does the marrying of an uplifting, anthemic melody to a lyrics about preparing for and facing death.
Other highlights are the Beatles/Syd Barrett-esque ‘Torch Song’, the bluesy ‘I Prayed To The Devil’, the beguiling indie-folk of ‘She Dances’, and the Middle-Eastern styled ‘The Day You Love Me’.
A satisfying album which encourages repeated listens, fans of contemporary folk and Tír Na nÓg will find much to enjoy here. If you have not heard it already, or want to hear how it sounds live on stage, then make sure you get to Leo’s gig in Kelly’s next week.
Admission to the show is €10. Will is available in Wingnut Records in Bell, Book And Candle, Small Crane and from www.leookelly/ie and iTunes.
