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Reviews |
Ian Barry - Songclub
Neal Byrne took to the stage next, with his unique mix
of jazz funk and acoustic rock. Neal was in Wexford to
promote
his new full-length CD Booth Avenue. After sampling the delights
of his EP Tri, the Finegan’s crowd was eager to hear
the new material from this fine Dublin songwriter. I received
a copy of Booth Avenue for review and after Neal’s
spellbinding performance on Tuesday, I am only too happy
to oblige.
“
Robbin’ The Cradle” opens this prime collection
of songs and straight away the bar is set as high as possible.
This is Neal Byrne at his jazz funk best; powerful rhythm,
expert use of the wah wah peddle and smooth expressive vocals.
The subject of this song is a cross dresser. This is a difficult
area in which to steer clear of corny allusions or derogatory
remarks, but here as in everywhere else on Booth Avenue,
Neal’s lyrics are accessible and emotive without descending
into clichés. This eclectic CD continues with “Thank
You”, a moody love song with a clever arrangement and
impressive contributions on synth and drums. Intelligent
change of pace here, demonstrating the scope of this accomplished
musician.
My favourite track from Booth Avenue in “Butterflies”.
At 6minutes 22 seconds, this is one of the longer tracks,
but this ‘reality love song’ builds from tender
acoustic beginnings to a full-on band climax. One of Neal’s
strengths is how he arranges his instruments to best show
off his songs. “Made You Sad” has stunning lead
bass line, “Questions” is complimented with an
achingly expressive synth arrangement, while “Oh Darling” shows
what a talented performer can do with simple acoustic guitar
and drums.
Steve Shannon recorded, engineered and produced this immaculate
package at Elusive Studios in Dublin. The graphics and photography
are top-class and in general this release is worth its place
in any modern CD collection. For more on Neal’s music
or if you want a copy of his CD go to www.nealbyrne.com,
where they can be purchased on line. If you like original,
well produced, energetic but sometimes contemplative jazz
funk/acoustic rock, then Booth Avenue will be right up your
street
April 2005 |
Marty Mc Cool - South East Voice
A new solo act who is currently cutting a swathe through
the Irish music scene is Dublin-based Neal Byrne. Most of
the songs on his newly-released album "Booth Avenue" are
about love in some form or other but Neal Byrne is never
mushy or overly-sentimental. There is a gritty, hard-hitting
edge to the lyrics and the music through which the singer
seems to unload some baggage from his past. And Neal Byrne
himself is a by turns robust and understated performer.
Perhaps the best song on "Booth Avenue" is "Butterflies".
This song has a catchy hook and stays with you. The music
of Neal Byrne sounds a little like John Mayer as times, but
the originality is there and the sound is all Neal's own.
Mar 2005 |
WEXFORD SONGWRITERS CLUB
REVIEW - Ian Doyle
Dubliner, Neal Byrne finished off an excellent night’s
music with an electrifying performance. Take the punch of
Luke Bloom and add the musical mastery Freddie White, then
mix in the lyrical ability of Roy Harper and you’ll
get an idea of Neal’s stage presence and delivery.
This gifted songster took us on an awe-inspiring journey.
From the romantic evocations of "Hand in Hand",
to the drama of "Robbing the Cradle" (a song about
a transvestite’s life), Neal amused, amazed and astounded
all who heard him. "In One Ear" stands out as one
of the best and wittiest portrayals of a rocky relationship
you’re ever likely to hear.
Neal is blessed with a powerful and emotionally laden
voice, not to mention his considerable skills that control
the array of pedals he uses to vary the sound of his guitar.
He is currently recording his first full-length album.
I had the pleasure of hearing his four track CD "Trí" and
was spell bound by the songs and equally impressed by the
production talents of Steve Shannon. Steve is also producing
Neal’s current project and if the results to date
are any guide, the new offering "Booth Avenue" will
be one of the albums to watch this year. For further information
on Neal’s music see www.nealbyrne.com
Jan 2005 |
Eric Thom -
Exclaim magazine, Toronto
"True to his
Irish roots, youthful Dubliner Neal Byrne bristles
with sincerity and conviction across his highly charged
and personal approach to the craft of song writing
and performance. His heart on his proverbial sleeve,
Neal’s passion is divided between the power of
his rhythmic strumming and the contrasting qualities
of his delicate voice."
"Think Leo Kottke
meets Garfield, if you will. Yet there’s no mistaking
the absolute commitment behind each and every introspection
and there’s nothing gentle in the way he approaches
any topic.
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hearty instrumentals like “Herringbone” to the aggressive fervour
with which he delivers black insights like “Dark
Inside”, Neal has an ability to mesmerize an audience
while, through his impassioned presentation, endearing
himself to them at the same time. "
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David
Newland
Folk Singer/Songwriter. Toronto
Irish singer-songwriter
Neal Byrne is a newcomer to our shores, but he’s
already making his mark on acoustic stages across
the city. Byrne combines the poetic sensibility
of a folk strummer with the raw intensity of
a thrash rocker. The heart of his music is lyrics:
Byrne enhances emotional storytelling with clever
wordplay, braiding his tales into melodies that
can be soothing, or searing, as the occasion
requires.
A
modest man behind the mic, Byrne turns his energy all
the way up when he starts to play. He is one of those
singers who pours personal experience into every line
and note. The honesty of his approach and the depth
of his conviction capture the audience quickly,
and Byrne’s
songs don’t let go until they’re done. He’s
a welcome addition to the acoustic scene in Toronto,
and a performer well worth watching out for.
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