The late-blooming songwriter’s works could well define the sound of County Mayo.
The evening includes a guest slot by a distinguished 50 something man with greying, slightly shaggy hair and a scholarly air, who is greeted by all with affection and respect. If you want someone to define the sound of Mayo, then its’ surely Tony Reidy, who’s gentle, haunting, beautifully crafted songs seem to have been hewn from deep in the psyche of this distinctive region. His heartfelt second album, A Rough Shot of Lipstick – self-released and partly financed by Mayo County Council – remains a largely overlooked classic, devoid of pretence and artifice, but textured and tailored by the brilliant Seamie O’Dowd’s instrumental versatility and shrewd production into an unusually welcoming and rounded collection. We’re so programmed to being invigorated by new young artists, we are often blind to the attributes of age and life experience, and Reidy’s lived-in voice, melancholy style and sharp eye for lyrical detail offer a highly individual if sometimes troubled view of the world. He’s never been a professional musician, never been subjected to the rigours of the road, and carries the enthusiasm of someone half his age.
This profile was made at www.wonderbackgrounds.com
Tony Reidy has recorded two CDs of his own songs "THE COLDEST DAY IN WINTER "released in 2003 and his new CD "A ROUGH SHOT OF LIPSTICK" recently released.You can read more about Tony,download some music and buy CDs on his own website HERE
' A Rough Shot of Lipstick' is also available on
Available on CDbaby here
Reviews of 'A rough shot of lipstick'
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Like an earthier, more rural version of Damien Dempsey.....Heartfelt story songs of the quality of The Boy in the Gap, Sean na Sagart, God Knows and Seventh Son will never date, shrouded as they are in a compelling, oblique sense of history, mystery and menace that is invariably offset by a keen ear for melody and chorus Colin Irwin.......MOJO( Folk album of the month April 07. ) .
Reidys second album, is shot through with his particular sense of vision.Reidys gravely vocals and seasoned delivery are framed in a sympathetic canvas from producer Seamus O Dowd.
A lyricist of power and diversity - Tony Reidy stands out from the pack with another quality effort. John O Regan..... fROOTS April 07.
"His take on matters singer/songwriterly is twisted and left field enough to make everyone sit up and take notice.Music for a messed-up Celtic Tiger then? Well at the very least, a lesson in the power of sincerity and one for all those who have a weakness for beauty when it's bruised." Clive Pownceby ......'The Living Tradition'...Great Scottish trad/folk mag
"The sounds and words may fall on fertile ground or on wasteland it does not matter" Tony Reidy writes in the liner notes to his album 'A Rough Shot Of Lipstick'
If at least one of these thoughtful, well-crafted original songs doesn't take root and grow into lasting life, there's no justice Sarah McQuaid ...'Hot Press' .
"this new album is underpinned by heartfelt moments of existential angst (and nobody in Ireland writes these better than Reidy), "
--a master of the anti-love song, not least on 'Fool for You'--'If This Is Progress',-- a visceral assessment of modern Ireland (or modern anywhere else for that matter). Geoff Wallis...The Irish Music Review
" His earthy vocals, and the rhythmic drive of his guitar on the statement-of-intent 'Mayo Man' supplement the warmth of his delivery and lyrical content" Danny Moore.....Rock'n'Reel
" He is a gifted painter of word pictures, and a dab hand at fitting lyrics to a well structured tune and like a good wine, improving with age. " Aidan O'Hara ....'Irish Music Magazine'
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
It is good to hear from you Tony. I am well and we are getting ready for Christmas - today my daughter and I are baking Christmas cookies and such. Winter is very much upon us - some snow on the ground and very cold lately. It is starting out an old- fashioned winter.
I hope you and your family have a Blessed Christmas Season and a Happy New Year and all the best ahead! Faye
Michael Brunnock's in depth interview with journalist Suzanne Connolly is uploaded and available to watch. It can be seen either on Michael's front page www.myspace.com/michaelbrunnock or on Fairplay Collective's video page http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=64241695
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