Info: In April this year Monaghan singer-songwriter Barry Jay Hughes released his debut solo E.P., This Way Up, along with lead single 'Judgement Day'. The Carrickmacross musician has been incessant in touring the E.P. since with no fewer than six more live dates between now and the end of the month (see below).
Opening track 'Judgement Day' certainly displays traits of one of Hughes' self-professed influences of Eddie Vedder, the heavy bass chord playing on the acoustic guitar give a rock energy to the country sounds accentuated by some fine fiddle playing from Irish trad 5-piece Caladh Nua's Lisa De Buitléar. The E.P.'s title track reminded me of San Francisco folk rock group Counting Crows in some ways, a sunny side-up optimistic number that surely forms a strong centre-piece to any live performance from Hughes you would imagine.
I was particularly surprised and impressed by the E.P.'s third track, 'Falling Moon', Barry Jay Hughes putting forward the strongest case for his song-writing ability here. It's a beautifully pained song, both the piano playing and Hughes' vocals here are perfect, displaying fortitude in his lyrics the listener is entirely at his beck and call for the duration of the song. We finish on a nice gentle cover version of Jack L's 'Georgie Boy' from his 1999 album Metropolis Blue which Hughes recently performed to open for Lukeman at the Iontas Theatre in Castleblayney. Hughes has all of the elements required to make a success of his solo career, vocally, lyrically and musically, and as evidenced by his tireless gigging is determined to work hard to ensure that he is rewarded accordingly.
Tour Dates:
16 Aug 2015 Boylans Bar & Venue, Main Street, Carrickmacross, Co.Monaghan
22 Aug 2015 Carrickmacross Arts Festival, Callans of The Bridge, Co.Monaghan
23 Aug 2015 Smithfield Square , Dublin 7
28 Aug 2015 Rothar Cafe, 16 Fade St., Dublin 2
29 Aug 2015 The Button Factory, Curved Street, Dublin 2
30 Aug 2015 Boylans Bar & Venue, Main Street, Carrickmacross,
Co.Monaghan
7 Sep 2015 The International Bar, 23 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2
19 Sep 2015 The Glyde Inn, Annagassan, Dunleer, Co. Louth
19 Sep 2015 The Glyde Inn, Annagassan, Dunleer, Co. Louth
20 Sep 2015 Boylans Bar & Venue, Main Street, Carrickmacross,
Co.Monaghan
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarryJMusic
