|
|
Sleeve Notes
Patsy Watchorn was born and reared in Crumlin. He began his musical career in the 60's and was a founding member and lead singer of the Dublin City Ramblers. His voice has become one of the most loved and well known in the Irish ballad and folk scene. After many years touring, and at an age when most people of his generation are planning their retirement, Patsy joined one of the biggest folk groups in the world. The Dubliners. With a voice so distinct and familiar the transition was seemless, and seven years later there is no stopping Watchorn.
His passion for music and performing drives him forward, and finally after six years, Patsy has taken some time out to get back into the studio, to record new versions of some of his favourite songs, with the best musicians Ireland has to offer. "I am proud of what I accomplished, but I am always looking forward. It means a lot to me to still record. I haven't done an album in Donkey's years, I was ready for it"
There are many memorable and cherished recordings of the tracks on this album, but Patsy "Now" aspires to capture a more mellow approach. All tracks were recorded as live as can be, four men in a room buzzing off each others renowned talent and getting to the heart of the songs. "The sound is warm and organic, Watchorn's voice is powerful and commanding without being overbearing and the all-acoustic accompaniment is beautifully understated. The overall effect is to allow the lyrics — the heart and soul of the song — to shine through" Colm O'Hare, Hotpress Magazine.
The atmosphere in the famous and legendary Trend Studios is one of excitement and a subtle but simmering enthusiasm and anticipation. These walls have waited long enough to contain and witness such a talented gathering, for a rare and intimate recording of some of the finest songs our nation has produced. "We're really taking these songs out of the pub and back to the parlour, when people would gather round in front of the fire with a few drinks and sing all night long". Gerry O'Connor
Gerry O'Connor — Gerry has three solo albums to date, and has worked with many artists including Chris Rea, Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, Bonnie Tyler, and is also one of the founding members of "Four Men and a Dog". Having Gerry on board was vital, and Patsy Watchorn "NOW" came to life after a conversation between O'Connor and Watchorn in Hollystown golf course.
Paul Moore — Paul Moore's contribution to music in Ireland and around the world can only be described as epic. Paul has performed and recorded with all kinds of artists across many musical genres including Van Morrisson, Katie Malua, The Cheiftens, Mark Knophler, and many more. Paul toured with Riverdance for a couple of years, and was the musical director for most of his time there. Patsy wanted the best musicians that Ireland had to offer, and having Paul Moore on board was a huge honor.
Anto Drennan — Anto, Drennan is most well known for his career with Genesis, Mike and the Mechanics and The Corrs. Guitar players like Drennan are hard to find, and it was incredible timing that he was able to take time out of his busy touring schedule to record this live album wth Patsy and the lads. Drennan has also played with Clannad, Moving Hearts, to name but a few. His contribution on Patsy "NOW" brought a touch of class to these new recordings.
Paddy On The Railway — Inspired by the Irish men who worked on the railroads in the UK, and remembering also, all the Irish men who worked on the railroads in the USA. There have been many moments in our nations history when our loved ones have had to leave in search of work, and this song's story is very close to Patsy's heart. Watchorn is reminded of the Duffy's Cut Project, when a mass grave was discovered outside Pennsylvania containing 57 Irish immigrants. It was reported in the 1800's that these men had died of Cholera, new reports suggest that a mass murder may have taken place to avoid the spread of the vicious disease.
Dublin In The Rare Auld Times — I love this song and this version is by far the best I have recorded.
"I met Patsy in 1975 and told him I have a song written for him. On his way to a gig down the country he called in to me at a show I was doing in Goffs, we jumped into the back of his van and I played 'Dublin In the Rare Auld Times', he instantly loved it and with out a doubt he was the first to sing this song. Finally in 1977 he was the first to record it. Keep her goin' Patsy". Pete St John
Raglan Road — Written by Patrick Kavanagh, Raglan Road was first made famous by Luke Kelly when he paired the lylrcs with the music from an old Irish song "Fáinne Geal an Lae" later translated into English as "The Dawning of the Day". One of Kavanagh's most romantic and beautiful pieces, this song has been recorded by many artists, including myself, but this time I wanted to do something different and put a new edge to it.
Dirty Old Town — This song was written about an English town, but we have very much adopted it here In Ireland. This song could be about many towns, but I sing it for my town, Dublin.
Dublin Is Me — "When we wrote 'Dublin is Me' we were motivated by old Dublin, and the old characters around the city. You can't distinguish between the person and the place, and Patsy is quintessentially Dublin, and Dublin is Patsy. We wrote this song for Patsy for this very reason". Seán O'Meara (co writer)
McAlpines Fusilliers — Written by Dominic Behan (brother of Brendan) in the 1960's, McAlpine's Fusilllers is about the migration of many Irish men to the UK. Sir Robert McAlpine owned a major construction company at the time, and a lot of the men began working for him.
The Foggy Dew — This song is dedicated to the many Irish men and women who fought for Ireland's freedom. The Foggy Dew tells the story of one of the most significant turning points in Irish history, the 1916 Easter Rising.
The Ferryman — In the mid 80's one of the most important river services used by workers, mostly Dockers, was discontinued. The Ferryman was no more, anyone wanting to cross at the East End of the Liffey had to cross at Butt Bridge at the Custom House or the East Link Bridge, and there was a distance of 1.5 KM between the bridges. I wrote The Ferryman, or as it has become affectionately known as, The Strawberry Beds for Patsy after our success with Dublin In the Rare Auld Times (Pete St John)
Monto — A one time notorious Red-Light District in the North inner city of Dublin, in its hay-day between 1860's to 1900's 1,600 prostitutes worked there, with all classes of customers catered for. Legend has Prince Albert Edward (Later King Edward V11) lost his Virginity there, this area was also immortalized as Night-town in James Joyce's Famous Work Ulysses.
Whiskey In The Jar — The exact origins of this song are unknown, though some believe it dates back to the 17 century. This well traveled tune has been recorded by many an artist. This is my first recorded solo version and one of my favorites. The energy in the studio from the boys is magical.
