James Keelaghan – Story-songs with Irish Roots

"Canada's finest singer/songwriter..." - Playboy Magazine

hen asked for his early influences, Canadian songwriter James Keelaghan first credits “…traditional Irish and English ballads Liam Clancy, Ewan MacColl”. On Keelaghan's latest CD A Few Simple Verses, he partners with English folk icon Jez Lowe on a new song they co-wrote about their shared Irish roots. The album includes contributions from the Irish group Danu and features traditional and original songs. Add to that the fact that he recently received his Irish passport and the Celtic roots come clear. Keelaghan credits his father, who emigrated from Ireland to Canada in 1952, with his gift for storytelling. Following in the rather large footsteps of fellow Canadian songwriter/storytellers Stan Rogers and Gordon Lightfoot, Keelaghan is a master of the epic historical ballad – story songs that are steeped in history with a vivid sense of time and place.

Joining Keelaghan for this show will be British Colombia fiddler Jamie RT. Jamie’s debut album Reach was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award, a Western Canadian Music Award, and a Plain Folk Music Award. Her most recent recording with guitarist Andy Hillhouse is nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award.

Website: http://www.keelaghan.com/