Winter 2010 Diary

 

As I write these lines in the final day of October I am reminded of the great Irish tradition of Samhain ~ the end of the summer or the end of the period of light . We are now about to enter into the time of darkness as in the Celtic year these were two important periods. Samhain was the time for re-collecting and reviewing the closing year. Hopefully the communities could celebrate a good Harvest and if not try to discover what lead to its failure. New hopes and dreams were made in the silence of dark nights as beneath the surface nature prepared for the beginning of new life that would eventually emerge with the birth of Spring. In Christian times this became the important time to remember all those who were once part of the life blood of the community and were now enjoying their eternal reward in the harvest fields of Heaven.

At this time of year I always remember the many people who touched my life with inspiration, with imagination and with kindness ~ The people who have given life to my songs and words, though they may have never known it while they walked among us. May God be ever kind to them.

As I look back in the past year I have much to be grateful for ~ the many blessings in the forms of the creative people I work with, the faithful fans who come constantly to support us and all the people behind the scenes who make it all happen. You are the true blessing of my harvest.

I am so delighted to announce the release of our new album ~ Courage Can Cry.
We have been working on these songs for many months and I am very excited that they will soon see the light of day. I cannot express my deep gratitude to my Musical Director Mark Cahill who has lived with these songs for months now and has transformed them with his beautiful arrangements. For the first time also I have had some songs arranged by Martin Quinn and I am indebted to Martin for his patience and his imagination in giving life to these notes and lyrics. So many people worked on this album. I am delighted to have as guests ~ Cathy, Wendy and Lisa Vard. I have written a brand new song for them and they perform it beautifully.

We are also announcing the dates of our upcoming Christmas Tour which I am really thrilled about as it will allow us to showcase many of the new songs but also to sing our favourite Christmas Carols with many wonderful Choirs around the country. We are coming to many beautiful venues and I look forward very much to seeing old and new friends. I am also very aware that many local and national Charities will benefit from our Tour if we receive your support, so please do think about joining us for a great evening and thus help many worthy and deserving causes.

These are times of great uncertainty in many peoples' lives but I believe that music can help console and strengthen the heart that is weary or troubled. Many these new songs truly offer courage to all who seek to find new hope and new life.

Until we meet

Beir beannacht agus bua

Liam