Multi-platinum selling and award winning accordion player Sharon Shannon has just released her latest album. Recorded over a period from Summer 2008 to Summer 2009 and dedicated to the memory of her partner Leo Healy who sadly passed away in 2008, 'Saints and Scoundrels' is further testament to Shannon's prowess not only as a musician and bandleader, but also as a writer and producer.

It sees the affable first lady of Irish music collaborate with the likes of Shane McGowan, The Waterboys, Imelda May, The Cartoon Thieves and many more.

Shannon's ability to integrate a traditional instruments with Cajun, Funk, African, Jazz arrangements is once again to the fore on the album. As well as many rousing celebratory tunes, the album features a haunting version of the Irish slow air 'Cape Clear' that features (along with Sharon herself) in the new Neil Jordan movie 'Ondine', which stars Colin Farrell.

Why Saints & Scoundrels?

It was an old idea I'd had with my partner Leo to do an album along the lines of ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels'. I'd been working with a few scoundrels, like Shane McGowan and others, at the time. Then I was talking to Mike Scott and he expressed an interest in taking part in it. Once I knew that the song that sprang to mind from him was my favourite song in the world, 'Saints & Angels', I changed the theme of the album to Saints and Scoundrels.

As well as Mike, you've worked with some talented people on the album.

We worked with some lovely people. Jerry Fish is just a great guy and a bit of a scoundrel too. Imelda May I met at the Meteors; she's such an amazing singer, so strong and powerful. Carol Keogh (from Automata) has a beautiful voice too. Thankfully, all these great people were very eager to work on the album with me.

And you worked with local favourites The Cartoon Thieves (formerly No Banjo) on the new single ‘Mama Lou'?

Those guys are something else; they're my favourite band. They're so tight, so musical. It's unusual for a band to be that good as musicians but also to be such good singers too. Right now, everyone in Galway knows about them and loves them, and hopefully soon people all over the country will take to them in the same way. I'm mad about them. I hope people will come out and see them play live with us.

You've had many music industry honours down the years but you've just been honoured with a Civic Reception in Ennis. How was that?

It was amazing. It's completely different to something like the Meteors, where there are loads of awards for different acts. This was just for me and it was a gorgeous evening. I was so nervous; all eyes were on me. To get an award in your own home is very special.

Speaking of home, do you see yourself carrying on the proud Clare tradition laid down by the likes of Willie Clancy, the Russell brothers, Tulla and Kilfenora and all the others?

Well it's the music I grew up with, so it's very important to me. It has stood to me all this time and I love it. It's a great base for me. It's the backbone of all I do!

You mentioned your partner Leo Healy earlier, who sadly passed away last year; was music a cathartic thing in those hard times?

Oh absolutely! Leo was such a passionate music lover and around that time the music was a massive healer. At his funeral, the wake and for a long time after, I played a lot of uplifting and spiritual stuff just to help me get through. I found it massively helpful.

As I talk to you, I know you're getting ready for Arthur Guinness Day shows in Dublin. What else have you lined up in the near future?

I'm off to Lanzarote for a week of shows in October; we'll have an Irish tour around Christmas/New Year; and we're off to Australia in early 2010. The single with the Cartoon Thieves ‘Mama Lou' is out at the moment and doing very well. We'll be performing it on the Late Late show this Friday, 2 October as well as a song with The Waterboys.

Sharon Shannon's new album 'Saints & Scoundrels' is now available. The new single 'Mama Lou' featuring The Cartoon Thieves is available in all good shops and online stores and is available for free download from www.sharonshannon.com.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment