Luka Bloom is pretty much blooming at the moment in the wake of the release of his most recent album Eleven Songs.
He is finally returning to Kilkenny to play some of his new songs and no doubt he will keep his fans on side by playing his older material also in the Top Bar at Kytelers on Kieran Street this evening (Friday ).
Luka Bloom plays in Kilkenny at least once a year and he has a large fanbase here who will no doubt be out in their droves to witness a live version of the new album which has already proven its worth and popularity.
Luka is particularly pleased with this album and in particular with ‘Don’t be afraid of the light that shines within you’, a song from the album that has taken off beyond expectation.
Luka is an understated performer at the best of times, however when he wrote this song, he claims that he knew ‘it was meant to be big’.
“In 2008, I felt a momentum within myself, which resulted in the record Eleven Songs. And in that momentum I also felt a surge of energy around this song ‘Don’t be afraid of the light that shines within you’. I knew that it was not enough to simply record the song. It had to be big. Most of my recent recordings are intimate and personal. But this song insists on being as big as is possible. It is a song which wants to explode into the world; and its time has come.
“Even at the point of recording the song in April 2008, I could never have foreseen the hurt that people are feeling around the world in a few short months. At the end of 2008, everywhere is fear, insecurity, corruption, unemployment... And yet, I feel this is the most exciting moment imaginable to be alive.
“There is such a window opening in the world for goodness, for community, for sharing, for simplicity, for kindness. And this song is a call to people, to reach inside and be aware of the power in each one of us to do good, for ourselves, for our families, for our friends, for our villages and towns, and ultimately, for our earth.
“This song came from the power of a group of people who want to shine a bright light for the earth and for humanity. We have shared it together for 15 years now. And now I want the world to hear it.”
The song is mesmerising and encourages the audience to chant along for minutes as Luka leads the audience on his guitar.
However this is not the only song on the album and all of them are enchanting and leave you wanting more.
You can hear it for yourself this Friday evening at Kytelers on Kieran Street where Luka will be giving it wellie. Tickets available from Rollercoaster Records on Kieran St or on the door.
