Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Eamonn Hehir live at Dolans , Limerick 17/11/2012 Review

A wonderful night of music, nostalgia and a night to be proud of took place in Dolans as local singer songwriter Eamonn Hehir released his new album 'The Flag Listeners' . The warehouse was packed full of a who's who's in the limerick music scene to celebrate the launch of Eamonn's second album, almost twelve years in the making since his first offering 'Blood Mill Road' back in 2000.

 
Speaking of a who's who's in the Limerick Music scene just take a look at the band for the night : Dave Keary on electric guitar , The human anchor Eoghan O'Neill on Bass , James Hanley on Keyboard , Danny Byrt on Drums and 'the Flag Listener Sisters' Jenny McMahon & Siobhan O'Brien on backing vocal duties.
Eamonn had gathered a band together for the night as most of the instruments on the album are played by Eamonn , so the lack of several hands meant needing some band members. Having assembled only for the launch night and with so little practice you would imagine a night of faults and hiccups would ensue but the band sounded like they have been playing together forever which is such a testament to their individual talents.

 
A strong twenty track set list which included all of the tracks from the new album and featured a cover of Des O'Dwyer's "Running Scared". Des was a constant member of Eamonn's groups down through the years and sadly passed away in 2010, Des features heavily throughout the new album. Running Scared featured in Des's posthumous released album 'Home James' and the band gave a fitting tribute to him on the night. The night included the album track 'Before the song was over' a beautiful haunting lament in tribute to Des.
The set also included some classic tracks from his debut album 'Blood Mill Road'. The limited album was on sale on the night and after giving it some listening over the last few days its clear its a cracking album and another gem to be added to the annuals of limerick music.

 
The band brought the album to life on the night and there is nothing like listening to live music , a highlight for me was the track 'Gates of Limbo' as Keary lashed his way throughout the guitar parts and the band were in full swing! For the encore Eamonn arrived out sans guitar to sing 'Little Man' accompanied by James Hanley , who proceeded to show off his sublime talent on piano.
Eamonn played his full back catalogue , a catalogue anyone would give their right arm for. The album gives insights to Eamonn's views on life and how he can turn a simple scenario into a masterpiece. The topics of life , love and death are all covered in his amazing style . Go out and get a copy while you can! Its hard to put into words how good a night it was and the videos below don't even do it justice. The only issue on the night was that it had to end , Cheers for an unreal night of music!

 
Set List:
Downtown
That Cold Year
Running Scared
The Angel's Share
California
Lincoln
Almost Drowning
The Master of Ceremonies
Gigs & Funerals
Dry Land
Restless Kind
White Lines
Before the Song was over
The Man on the Clapham Omnibus
Girl From the Waterfall
Things will happen
The Gates of Limbo
Encore:
Little Man
Steve Brodie Took a Chance
Joe Cocker Isn't Wanted
 


Relive most of the magic thanks to BocktheRobbers Video playlist of the night below

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