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Kennedy’s take on the classics
By Fiona Audley
 FROM
humble beginnings as a busker Brian Kennedy carved a career which has
spanned decades, boasts 10 albums and includes working with more than
a few of the industry’s greats.
And earlier this month saw the British release of his latest album Interpretations.
Leaving his home in the trouble-torn Falls Road in Belfast at 18 and heading
for the bright lights of London proved the start of a long and illustrious
career for the popular crooner, now 41.
A chance encounter with fellow Belfast musician Van Morrison led to a
plethora of unforgettable musical experiences for the youthful Kennedy
including performing alongside Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Ray Charles.
And so it’s no great surprise that his latest album Interpretations
is a personal take on songs by his idols.
The dedicated performer also claims his latest step — away from
songwriting to record some of the old school tunes that are eternally
enjoyed — was a journey he had been gearing towards for some time.
Speaking to The Irish Post this week he explained: “This is a collection
of some very famous songs but it’s my own take on them with an incredible
orchestra backing the tunes.
“It really is a different type of album for me and one that I hope
the British fans will enjoy — we’ll have to wait and see.”
The 13-track CD includes popular romantic ballads from Let’s Stay
Together to You Are So Beautiful and picks up the tempo with the likes
of Brown Eyed Girl.
The singer added: “It is an emotional album but then music is the
language of emotion so that is something true to all of my work.
“Interpretations means a lot to me as it’s something I have
wanted to do for some time and then one day, while I listened to K D Lang
I just thought the time was right.”
The multi-talented singer-songwriter — who has also successfully
conquered the worlds of radio and television presenting while penning
two best-selling novels — is a well-known name across the globe
boasting large fan-bases in America, Australia and New Zealand.
He said: “I have plenty of plans for the future and I always come
back to England at least once a year. I look forward to touring here again
later this year.” |
