IRISH folk singer Brendan Quinn is marking 50 years of music releases with a new studio album.
The collection, titled ‘Hubbin’ It’, was recorded in Billy Robinson’s studio in Ramelton and features a string of top musicians. Among them are ex-Altan members Dermot Byrne and Ciarán Tourish alongside Pat Crowley (keys), Nicky Scott (bass), Kevin Malone (drums), Jimmy Smith (guitar) and Peadar Coll (guitar).
“We had this idea of recording the album almost live,” said Brendan who has called Fanad home for the past eight years.
“Most records these are days are made by stacking up where you do your part then you send it digitally to a drummer who does their part. From there you might send it to an accordion player and so on.
“We wanted to do it live so we all went into the recording studio at the one time. Obviously you need a fairly substantial studio and Billy Robinson’s place was ideal. That’s how we did it, we recorded eleven tracks in two days.”
Percy Robinson (steel), Sean McCarron (sax) and Jonathan Smeaton (backing vocals) added the extra touches to the album of western swing and country music.
“Some of the songs I’ve been performing for years but never actually recorded them,” said the musician.
Brendan on the beach in Fanad. The Magherafelt man has lived in Donegal for the past eight years.
Brendan Quinn has never been one for taking it easy. He has gigged and recorded almost continuously for five decades, even during lockdown when he performed 100 concerts online on 100 consecutive days.
“It’s just what I do, it’s what I’ve been doing for 50 years,” he said.
“It’s more or less all I know and I still love getting up there and performing.
“I listened to Emmylou Harris recently when she celebrated her birthday and she was asked what she would do if she ever retires. She replied ‘I’ll write songs and play music’.
“That’s pretty much me.”
Brendan’s new album Hubbin’ It is available to stream now from all main platforms including iTunes and Spotify. Hard copies can also be purchased from his website, http://brendanquinnmusic.co.uk
You can though can catch him live when he plays in The Beehive in Ardara on August 28.
After that he is off to England where he will play in Luton on September 22 and the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammermith on September 23. Again all gig details are listed on his website.
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