Jimmy’s new single is out tomorrow
Singer/songwriter Jimmy Crowley in his library at home in Cobh. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Renowned Cork balladeer, Jimmy Crowley, has announced the upcoming release of his fifteenth album,
The album encompasses Mr Crowley’s career, recounting his life through his own honest and sardonic view of the world.
The first single from the album, ‘Haunted’, is set for release this Friday.
Largely distilled from the aftermath of his marriage break-up and a move to Florida, is a gothic distillation of Mr Crowley’s once stable life, and the challenges of an obscure future.
Alongside Mr Crowley, a range of musicians helped with the creation of Life, including Dave Murphy on piano, keyboard, and backing vocals; William Kearney on percussion; Brian Crowley on electric bass; Caoimhe Browne on violin; Martha Campbell on viola and Meadhbh Campbell, cello.
Other contributing artists include John Crone on backing vocals, resonator guitar, and bass; Louise McCormick on percussion; John Spillane on guest vocals and Spanish guitar; Dave ‘Caointeán’ Murphy on pedal steel; Pat McNamara on guest accordion; Len McCarthy on clarinet; Brian O’Grady on guest electric guitar; Niall O’Sullivan on trumpet and Eve Telford on guest vocals.
Growing up in Douglas, Mr Crowley formed his folk orchestra Strokers Lodge in the late 60s.
After the dissolution of Strokers Lodge, Mr Crowley formed The Electric Band, whose reggae version of ‘The Boys of Fairhill’ went straight into the pop charts.
Mr Crowley then pursued a solo career from the 90s onwards.
He holds an MA in Irish, and has written extensively about the history of ballads, as showcased in his 2014 book
More recently, Mr Crowley recorded an album of child ballads with Ms Telford, drawn from the rich heritage of Irish Travellers.
The full album will be launched at Cork City Library on April 14.
App?
