Hudson Taylor – That’s How I Know It’s Christmas
In the bleak midwinter why not warm yourself with this hale and hearty festive knees-up in Kilkenny Castle.
Dublin folk siblings Alfie and Harry Hudson-Taylor join forces with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and a local choir to add bells and whistles to the proceedings.
The duo play the first of three nights in Whelan’s, Dublin, tonight and release their debut album Loving Everywhere I Go in February.
Nick says: Sibling revelry.
City Of – Island Winter
How’s the weather in Glocamorra?
Intriguingly named Irish rock ensemble City Of offer a musical portrait of our typical winter on their new single which is available from bandcamp.
Singer and guitarist Reuben Teskey is joined by Stu Daly on bass; Sam Fitzpatrick on keyboards; Simon King on drums; and Ciaran Parnell on guitar.
Island Winter follows on from their 4-song EP Irish Summer in 2017 and their debut album Collected Fiction in 2016.
Nick says: Cold gold.
The Lost Brothers – Seven Days Before Christmas
A week is a long time in Christmas songs.
This is another tune from the new festive EP by Irish roots duo Mark McCausland (top right) and Oisin Leech (top left) aka The Lost Brothers.
We’re digging the Johnny Cash vibes here as the lads keep it country.
Look out for their new album in February.
Nick says: Brothers are doing it for themselves.
EMR – It’s Getting Close To Christmas (Old Rouge Fire)
They don’t make Christmas songs like they used to? Think again.
EMR is singer/songwriter Eimear O’Sullivan (top) from Skerries, County Dublin, and Conor King‘s video sees her skipping joyfully around the capital brimful of festive cheer.
From hanging a Santa hat on Oscar Wilde’s statue to leaving gifts on St Stephen’s Green, this is a quirky, warm-hearted promo that sets the Christmas mood perfectly.
Nick says: Alive, alive, ho ho ho.
Lisa McHugh – Home With A Heartbeat
You can never have too many Christmas piano ballads.
Lisa McHugh adds to the canon with this sentimental ditty co-written with Nashville-based Australian artist Katrina Burgoyne.
Lisa says:
“I wanted to write a song that described a traditional Christmas Day, that most people whether they are 5 or 95 could relate to.
“I wanted a warm, feel-good song but also one that captures the excitement and everything else that goes with Christmas at home and we’re both delighted with end result.”
Lisa can be seen live at the New Year’s Eve countdown concert in Dublin with Ash and Walking On Cars.
Nick says: Home is where the art is.
Billy Woods – The Girl From My Hometown
It’s that time of the year when emigrants return to their tinseltown in the rain.
Hailing from Kells, County Meath, singer/songwriter Billy Woods has penned a festive love song to twang the heart strings.
Billy says:
“When I spent Christmas in Kells and saw all the young people out having festive fun, it sparked off the idea of falling in love with a girl and the romantic feeling of being in love and hence the song The Girl From My Hometown was born.”
Nick says: Go down to the Woods.
The Lost Brothers – Christmas In The Heart
The Lost Brothers have paid tribute to their late manager Frank Murray by recording a Christmas EP in his honour.
Murray, a legendary figure in the Irish music industry who managed Thin Lizzy and The Pogues, had urged Lost duo Oisin Leech (top right) and Mark McCausland (top left) to record a Yuletide album.
The result is a nostalgic ballad that harks back to the golden age of swing.
Gavin Wood‘s video also nods to a different era… but with a twist.
The Lost Brothers play The Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, County Meath on December 13 and 14.
Nick says: Swing when you’re winning.
The Whileaways – All The Lights On (Must Be Christmas)
And so begins the festive season of Christmas ditties.
First up is Galwegian folk ensemble The Whileaways who serve up a poignant snapshot of Yuletide in the City of the Tribes, with references to the big wheel in Eyre Square and pints in Neachtain’s…
Singer Noelie McDonnell (top left) is ably assisted here by Nicola Joyce (centre), Noriana Kennedy (right), Eimhin Cradock and Will Merrigan.
The archive video of Galway down all the days was edited by Alice McDowell.
Nick says: In the slick midwinter…
Avril Rushe – Ten Years On
‘it wouldn’t be Christmas without hot ones and stories and charm And it wouldn’t be Christmas without tryna get you into my arms’
Maria writes;
This is a new christmas song… It’s nostalgic, honest and catchy AF…I’ve no doubt your readers will enjoy it!
Last night.
Brown Thomas, Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Actor and singer Patrick Bergin (top centre) with musicians, from left, Paul Harrington, John Sheahan, Brendan Graham and Neil Martin at the launch of ‘Switzer’s Windows’ (above) Inspired by Brendan Graham’s childhood memories of visiting Switzer’s to view the Christmas windows .
‘Switzer’s Windows’ is out today on iTunes and brownthomas.com for €5 with 100% of the proceeds going to Barnardos.
Leon Farrell/Photocall ireland
