Bloom a shining light
Talented Newbridge singer-songwriter Luka Bloom will take to the stage at the Derby House, Kildare town on Friday 6 February to promote his new album and latest single.
Luka is being helped out for this show by Culture Factory, a voluntary group of young people who are attempting to establish a creative and social centre for the young people of Newbridge. Chairperson Barry Healy stated "we were delighted when Luka asked us to help him out, after all he is one of our prize possessions and it will be a great night."
Luka is excited about the prospect of the concert and said "I am really looking forward to my show in the Derby House on the 6th of February. It is always a special time in Kildare, and we will do our best to make sure this is a great night of music and song".
The Internationally acclaimed artist released his twelfth album, Eleven Songs, in autumn 2008 on Big Sky Records.
The album was preceded by the single, 'I'm On Your Side' and he has now released the new single 'Don't Be Afraid Of The Light That Shines Within You.'
Luka will tour Ireland in February 2009 before heading to Australia to perform for his Antipodean fans.
'Don't Be Afraid Of The Light That Shines Within You' is, in Luka's words, "Two chords, two verses and a chorus - a very simple song, and yet it says everything I want to say at the beginning of 2009."
He added that since 1993, at the start of every February, large groups of men and women gather in Kildare, the home of St. Brigid, to celebrate and welcome the beginning of spring. St Brigid, whose feast day is February 1st, is the goddess of love, poetry, justice in prechristian Ireland, and she is the patron saint of Kildare.
"There is reflection, talk, music and dance … a gathering of people who want to celebrate the coming of spring, and who want to call Brigids' qualities into the world, to light a spark for change. And every year we gather to welcome the light into our world; and to hope that more light will shine in the world; and that someday out of the darkness of war, hunger, greed, poverty, will come the light of community, sharing, justice, music, dance, peace and love."
Luka added that although 'Don't Be Afraid of the Light The Shines Within You' was penned around 2000, he only sang it in Kildare and often only in February.
"In 2008, I felt a momentum within myself, which resulted in the record 'Eleven Songs' and finally recorded 'Don't Be Afraid Of The Light That Shines Within You'."
"I knew that it was not enough to simply record the song. It had to be BIG. Most of my recent recordings are intimate and personal. But this song insists on being as big as is possible. It is a song which wants to explode into the world; and it's time has come".
He added that "This song came from the power of a group of people who want to shine a bright light for the earth and for humanity."
"This song is a call to people, to reach inside and be aware of the power in each one of us to do good, for ourselves, for our families, for our friends, for our villages and towns, and ultimately, for our earth."
Luka feels this song is quite appropriate as "in these times, many people feel powerless and marginalised but there is such a window opening in the world for goodness and kindness, January 2009 could mark a great beginning and with love and hope in my heart, for our shared future, I hope it is."
Returning to the raw live sound of his earlier records and brimming with inspiring lyrics and sumptuous melodies, the album Eleven Songs reminds us why Bloom is such a master of the concert stage. The album was co-produced by Luka and David Odlum (ex-Kila and ex-The Frames) and recorded in Grouse Lodge in County Westmeath.
Musicians on the album include Dave Hingerty (ex-The Frames), Trevor Hutchinson, Liam O'Maonlai (ex-Hothouse Flowers), Paul Smith, Cora Venus Lunny, Ken Edge, and the Gardiner St. Gospel Choir. Backing vocals are Sinead Martin and Robbie Moore.
Luka will tour Ireland in February - starting with the special gig on Friday 6 February at the Derby House, Kildare.
Tickets are n20 and available from Top Twenty Naas/Newbridge and from the box office 045-522890.
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Thursday 17 May 2012
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