To say the past two years have been frustrating and challenging due to the restrictions on travel and performances would be an understatement. However, I kept singing through a number of unusual sources, like on line concerts. Through this, I came across songs I never sang before, and songs I hadn't sang for a long time. 

It also made me look at singing in a more acoustic setting. So rather than doing nothing through this pandemic, I went on a journey of discovery which led to a chat with Gavin Murphy, who produced and arranged all the music on my last album WHAT I DID FOR LOVE. I asked him about doing an album completely different to the one we just released. That, as you know had BIG BELTERS a huge orchestra and lush arrangements. This time I wanted it to be totally different and totally acoustic. Showing a different side of me. Something I could say was a complete contrast to all the seven albums that preceded it. 

So, ladies and gentlemen, I give you BY CONTRAST

An album of some of my favourite songs and ballads that were written or made famous by singer songwriters from all over Ireland. I am very proud of it. It's genuine, it's contemporary, it's honest and it's something I'm very excited about. Two albums in just over a year. Both completely different to each other. Both BY CONTRAST to each other. My eighth studio album. Hard to believe considering that 28 years ago, I thought I would make one and hoped I would someday make another. Thank you to all of you who order a copy, as listening for free makes it harder to continue producing. Supporting small acts can take commitment, but I hope I am making it worth your while. Enjoy! 

TRACK LIST

THE WATER IS WIDE 

STREETS OF LONDON

JEALOUS OF THE ANGELS

THE CONTENDER

GRACE

THE ISLAND

FEET OF A DANCER

MOUNTAINS OF MOURNE

ISLE OF INNISFREE

ISLE OF HOPE, ISLE OF TEARS

HARD TIMES