Write a commentWonderfully talented Hilltown musician Matt McGinn returns to Newry later this month for what will be a homecoming gig like no other.
Matt will take to the stage of the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre in Newry on Thursday the 29th of May for what will be a very welcome return to the city.
Matt's concert in Newry Town Hall in 2013 is still remembered as one of the highlights of that year and this time he will be joined “in the round” by Kim Richey and Gareth Dunlop on what promises to be a stunning night with three of the very best singer songwriters on the circuit at present.
Coming from Hilltown, Matt has truly made his stamp on the Northern Irish music scene and further afield with his unique blend of heartfelt and quirky songs.
At the beginning of 2012 Matt shared a stage 'In the Round' with Nanci Griffith with the Belfast Nashville Festival. This led Matt to a trip to Nashville and the beginning of a very successful co-writing partnership with published artist Madeleine Slate. Together they have penned three songs from Matt's forthcoming album, one of which has already featured in several major American TV shows. In 2011, Matt released his debut album 'Livin'' to much acclaim and his second release is due out in July of this year. It features a collection of songs, mostly recorded on a farm studio in the Craigantalet Hills, just outside Belfast.
Over the last few years Matt has been privileged to have spear-headed workshops across the country where he has helped others develop songwriting skills in schools, with people of special needs, and in underprivileged areas. Matt's voice combined with his lovely melodies and songs has got an other-worldly quality that will draw you in like a roaring fire on a cold night… - PBS FM Melbourne, Australia
Two-time Grammy nominated Kim and gifted East Belfast songwriter, and long time friend, Gareth will join Matt on what will be one of their final performances of their acoustic tour on these islands and tickets are already selling fast.
'In the Round' concerts are when three singer songwriters take turn about to perform their songs in an intimate setting. In this case all three songwriters have written with each other and know each others work so well that it there may well be some lovely collaborations to certain songs.
Richey and Dunlop met in early 2013 to write their first song at a co-writing session in Nashville. On writing with the legendary songstress, Dunlop says "The first time I met Kim Richey was to sit down and write a song in Nashville. What came out of that first co write was a great friendship and a song called "Keep Coming Back" that was later featured in the show Nashville. Since that time we’ve written five songs that came together to make an EP.”
When the two of them sat down with Matt to pen 'Let the Long way slow us down, Matt was equally impressed.” I had co-writen many times before but I was amazed at how Kim could twist and shape songs. Everytime I thought we were there, she could shift it in a new direction and add new dimension to the piece. She really is such a gifted songstress..."
The performance at Sean Hollywood Arts Centre will include songs from Dunlop and Richey’s recently released EP which features five songs they wrote together called “The Nashville Sessions.” The EP includes the two songs recently heard on ABC’s Nashville and One in Bones. There will be songs the three have written together and choice picks from Matt's new album due to be released in July.
Kim Richey
Two-time Grammy nominated Kim Richey is a storyteller who tugs at the heartstrings – with a voice so pure, arresting and honest, it literally aches with life’s truths. She transports the listener to a world where words paint pictures and melodies touch the soul, her voice pure, arresting and honest. Over the past two decades Kim has released six critically acclaimed albums, been listed in the ‘Top 10 Albums of 1999’ in Time Magazine for her album Glimmer, plus received 4-stars in Rolling Stone and named ‘Alt- Country Album Of The Year’ in People Magazine for her album Rise. She has written two #1 singles and had four others hit Top 10. Her songs have been recorded by Trisha Yearwood, Mary Chapin Carpenter, James Morrison and many others. She has contributed backing vocals on albums by Ryan Adams, Shawn Colvin, and Jason Isbell to name a few. Many of her songs have been featured in films and television series over the years ranging from recent placements in NASHVILLE and Bones to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dawson’s Creek and more.
Kim Richey’s latest LP, “Thorn In My Heart” was named the “Top 10 Best Albums of 2013” - No Depression and The Boston Globe.
Gareth Dunlop
Born and raised in East Belfast, Gareth Dunlop enters the musical landscape as one of the most talked about young artists from Northern Ireland. Dunlop’s personal story has become intertwined with the Nashville music community. Gareth was offered a publishing deal after his first show at famous The Bluebird Café a few years ago and he continues to record in Nashville.
His distinctive voice and captivating songs have lead to Dunlop’s songs being used in numerous television shows and films including “House,” “Cougar Town,” “Private Practice,” “Army Wives,” “NASHVILLE” and the Safe Haven film and soundtrack. Recently, his songs can also be heard in commercials for Subaru, Discover Ireland and Disney. In the last couple years, Gareth has opened for a diverse group of artists including Van Morrison, Jeff Beck, the Stereophonics, Snow Patrol, James Morrison, Nanci Griffith and more.
For ticket information visit www.mattmcginnmusic.com/tickets
Tickets are priced at £12.
Doors open 8:00pm, Show starts at 8.30pm sharp
