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This album is an inspired collection of 12 of Briege's own compositions. Songs she describes as being "inspired by the reality of my surroundings, past and present". Although only a recent release "The Elm Wood" has already met with great acclaim, featuring on two major BBC radio shows in it's first week. The album brings together a selection of Irelands best - produced and arranged by guitarist Johnny Scott who is normally Van Morrisons' front man, Frank Gallagher who has been Mary Black's fiddle and flute player for many years, and a number of other quality musicians. |
Comfort
In A Song (5:02)
It never ceases to amaze
me, how much I have always loved and depended on music, the most
harmless form of escapism...
The
Hired Girl (4:05)
Loosely based on my mother's, and other old
people's experiences, as hirelings, "down the north".
Colorado
Cowboy (4:18)
I borrowed the lovely old melody of
"The Bard of Armagh" for this one. This time, the song is
loosely based on my father's travels. Like many another of his time,
he emigrated to America in the late 20's, working at various jobs,
and at one time on a ranch in Colorado. He was to stay about 18
years, working there and in Canada, eventually saving enough to come
home and buy a farm.
The
Ring of Gullion (3:49)
I make no excuses for
frequently writing about the physical and spiritual beauty of my
native place. In contrast, the constant military activity, and
fortress-like buildings on the mountains and hills, as my children
taken them for granted and normality.
Hold
On (4:10)
Based on a couple of
people I was very fond of, and watched, begin to slip into this
alarmingly common condition, eventually having to go into the care
their families were unable to provide for them.
Saving
Up To Be Famous (3:45)
After numerous requests
to record this daft ditty, I've finally gotten around to it; a poke
at me ad the entertainment business...
Aoife's
Worries (3:12)
This song was prompted
by a question put to me by my teenage daughter Aoife, shortly after
the September 11 attack. Presently I am campaigning against the
menacing Sellafield nuclear plant in Cumbria, England.
The
Elm Wood (4:38)
I was born and reared on
the Longfield Road. This is my ode to beautiful Longfield -
typically wrongly translated from the gaelic; "Leamh Choill"
- the Elm Wood.
Don't
Call Me (4:07)
This is about someone I
knew, and pondered how harmfully really, was her doomed
relationship.
Paddy's
Song (2:56)
I called this
"Paddy's song", as I think it's typical of many rural
bachelors, who drink away their inheritance, for the company in the
pub. I'd often meet them in there, when I'd be in for, eh'.....
research purposes.....
The
Maid of Liosamhanaigh (5:18)
"Lios a mhanaigh"
- The (fairy)fort or dwelling of the monk. I've to thank local
gaelic scholars, Hughie Murphy ans Seamus Keating for the spelling
and meaning, of the name of the area, and wee river, which flows
around the front and side of my house, and inspiring this song.
There was a time when the landlord's agent, had the power to
designate who should marry whom.
One
Down The Road (2:08)
I despise the
warmongering, greed, hypocrisy and oppression, that stalks this
world, in the name of righteouness. Alright?
All tracks are the sole property of Briege Murphy © MCPS 2002, all rights reserved
 Click here to order the album online |
Backing vocals ~ Aine Whelan & Johnny Scott
Guitars, Dobro, Mandolin, Pedal
Steel ~ Johnny Scott
Piano, Accordion ~ Geraint Watkins
Viola, Fiddle, Whistle ~ Frank
Gallagher
Bass ~ Noel Barret
Percussion ~ Danny Bert
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Briege Murphy |
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