One Take Sessions with KilkennyMusic.com

Postponed: One Takes for June 25th

Posted on 24. Jun, 2009 by Ken McGuire in News

Contrary to what we published in local media this week, the One Take Sessions scheduled for Thursday June 25th (tomorrow night) in Cleere’s will not be taking place.

Apologies to all, but we’ll be back on Thursday July 16th for the next night of the ‘Sessions.

Jester, Neal Byrne, Bobby O’Keeffe, Dubh Ban

Posted on 21. Jun, 2009 by Ken McGuire in News

The One Take Sessions is back again this week as four more acts take to the recently redecorated back room at Cleere’s on Parliament Street.

In a previous life Neal Byrne was an athlete, rowing his sport of choice. Winning a couple of World Championship medals and racing at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 gave him a passion for life that he now uses when writing and performing his music.

In 2002 the water-sports stopped and Neal moved to Canada to make the transition from athlete to musician. Writing and playing music in every shape and size of venue that would let him through their door provided him with the outlet to find his style and his voice. This is where he wrote his debut album Booth Avenue, which was recorded on his return to Ireland in Elusive Studios, Temple Bar, Dublin by the creative force behind Halfset, Steve Shannon.

Originally from Dublin, Neal now resides in Waterford and has found a new and exciting musical space for himself. As well as his solo project he has joined up with fellow musical entrepreneurs Curly Bert.

Making a solo debut at the ‘Sessions is Wexford’s Bobby O’Keeffe, though he has made an appearance already at the One Take Sessions this year alongside Chaser at the most recent outing of the ‘Sessions.

Playing guitar four years, O’Keeffe released a low-budget eight track EP (online) at the start of the year featuring some choice acoustic numbers along with the vocal talents of Eithne O’Connor. Bobby, along with Chaser, was also involved in the latest round of the Kilkenny 400 Busker 2009 competition. The tracks, including New And Old, Waiting and I Was Told, show a much mellower side to that portrayed by Chaser, showing good versatility in a young performer looking to make his mark as a singer and songwriter.

Colm Gray, aka Dubh Ban, also takes to the stage this week. Resident in Kilkenny, Gray was involved in the revival of the music club in Ryans which sparked back to life earlier in the year after an absence of two years or so. Both a guitar and mandolin player, Colm is joined by drummer John Murphy and sometimes guest musician Idolde Proud on vocals.

They’ve played Oxegen and toured with The Blizzards, Director, Paddy Casey, Aslan and more. Their single Maria enjoyed two weeks at the top of the independent music charts via DownloadMusic.ie and it is said they play “hard rock with confidence, style and a punky attitude”.

It’s been a great few years on the road for Tipperary’s Jester who return to the One Take Sessions for their second appearance in as many years. As comfortable on the festival stage as they are in the back room in Cleere’s, the band bring with them a full and rounded sound that has been tried and tested with some of the top acts in the country, in some of the best venues in the country.

The band (Colly Dempsey, Tommy Maher, Mark O’Dwyer, Eoin Ryan and Johnny Gleeson) are continually playing live shows, working their live sound and persona but have also managed to get to the recording studio of late to work on their debut album.

All acts can be found in Cleere’s this Thursday night from 9:30pm, with admission free. Local acts interested in performing at the One Take Sessions from September onwards should also register in advance on OneTakeSessions.com or via KilkennyMusic.com where you can also find highlights in audio, photo and video of previous nights from the gig series.

Rich Wyman, Versives, Chaser – June 4th 2009

Posted on 03. Jun, 2009 by Ken McGuire in News

This week’s One Take Sessions brings you three top acts

RICH WYMAN

Versives

Chaser

all live at Cleere’s Theatre, Kilkenny, tomorrow night (Thursday June 4th) from 9:30pm. Admission, as always, is free.

Join us tomorrow for the One Take Sessions at Cleere’s. For more, visit KilkennyMusic.com.

KKM

Stace Gill, Wayne Brennan, Ken Bolton

Posted on 14. May, 2009 by Ken McGuire in News

A trio of acts lay in store for you tonight at the One Take Sessions as Stace Gill, Wayne Brennan and Ken Bolton take to the stage in Cleere’s Theatre from 9:30pm.

While Stace was down with us before to open the 2008 series, Wayne and Ken will be making their One Take Sessions debuts later tonight.

Come down, enjoy the music and the comfort of Cleere’s and take in the One Take Sessions from 9:30pm.

32nd One Take Sessions Tonight

Posted on 23. Apr, 2009 by Ken McGuire in News

The 32nd night of the One Take Sessions takes place tonight in Cleere’s Theatre, Kilkenny and features Valentine Black, ODi, Chucky’s River and Star Crossed Enemies (Dublin). It all kicks off at 9:30pm with free admission.

You can read all about the acts here or see them in the flesh from 9:30pm tonight.