New single hits a positive note
WHEN IT comes to the Irish music scene there are few artists who are held in as high regard as Wexford songwriter Liam Merriman.
Known throughout the country as being at the forefront of the original singer-songwriter scene for the last three decades, he really made his mark on the Waterford music scene where he spearheaded a number of very prestigious open mic nights.
A significant presence on the live music circuit nationally, his songs have been have been released by Polygram Records, RTE Records, and the independent Three Rivers label.
His work has also been published by Cohesion Arts in America, as a contributing writer, and as an artist on the acclaimed Nashville based 1861 Project.
Merriman has also made several TV appearances on RTE and BBC and his songs have received airplay and play-listing on national, regional and local radio stations in Ireland and overseas.
In the wake of seven albums to-date, Merriman has teamed up with renowned Carlow musician, Eoin Ó Meachair, to release his new single, ‘Joanne’, which was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee.
Speaking about the new single he said it’s aimed giving people a lift in the wake of the difficulties they have experienced over the last year because of the pandemic.
‘It’s a song with a smile,’ he said.
‘Brimful of energy and charm, and a bouncy chorus,’ he added.
In recording the track, which was written by Merriman, the two musicians teamed up with a formidable line-up of sessions musicians who have worked alongside some of the most legendary names in music.
The song was produced by 2020 Grammy nominee, Thomm Jutz.
Merriman takes lead vocals on the song and also plays guitar on it while Ó Meachair, who is a founder member of folk group, Caladh Nua, plays tin whistle and tenor banjo.
The guest musicians include: Mark Fain (Ry Cooder; Ricky Skaggs; Bruce Hornsby) on upright bass; Justin Moses (Country Music Hall of Fame; Ricky Skaggs; Sierra Hull) on fiddle and 5-string banjo; Lynn Williams (The Wallflowers and Lee Roy Parnell) on percussion.
The song is an upbeat country-folk number where the banjo and fiddle provide the song with an ideal grits and coffee feel.
It’s a very catchy track and boasts a very memorable chorus. There is something infectious about music like this when played by musicians at the top of their game.
It’s a track that could easily be placed on an album by the likes of Nanci Grffith, who is a fan of Merriman, or The Chicks.
There is lovely warmth to the sound and the production is crisp and clear with plenty of space for each instrument to breath.
The single is now available to download and stream online.