The Craig Ferguson early show
THIS summer, James King goes back into the studio to record his eagerly-awaited second album, The Mortality Arcade.
If it’s half as good as its predecessor, we’re in for a rare treat.
Over the years, several musicians have passed through the revolving door of Lonewolves’ membership.
An early line-up featured aspiring drummer Craig Ferguson, now best known as a comedian, actor and former host of The Late Late Show for CBS Television in America.
But the current band – Jake McKechan and Joe Sullivan on guitars, plus bassist Colin McNeill and drummer Paul Carrigan – are more settled. And they have something to say.
King points to A Step Away From Home, a key track on Lost Songs Of The Confederacy, to underline that seven years on, he’s still not lost his hunger or desire.
It was inspired by Hellhound On My Trail, written by Mississippi-Delta blues legend Robert Johnson in 1937.
King told me: “It’s like when you’re trying to get somewhere and at the last minute, it’s snatched away from you. It’s always been like that for me.
“I don’t want to sound like I’m talking to a psychiatrist, but trouble always seemed to follow me in whatever I’m involved in.
“So, I’ve been constantly running from the hell hounds. They’ve always been on my tail. You’re nearly there … but you never quite get there.”
He added: “This new album is already two years late. I know that’s nothing when the first one took 35 years to get here.
“It’s long overdue. This time, that’s down to circumstances like the death of my mother and the passing of my brother. We didn’t intend to have another delay.
“Had real life not intervened the record would have been out by now. We’ve got the songs and we’re all very fired up about the new album.”
Ahead of St Patrick’s Day, Grace O’Reilly of Waterford Whisky tells Sam Wylie-Harris why more woman are drinking whisky.
Why do you think increasing numbers of women are enjoying whisky?
“I think people in general are beginning to drink less, but drink better quality spirits. Phases come and go. I went through phases of drinking rum, drinking gin, but I think whisky is timeless, it’s like the Chanel of spirits. And I think that might be appealing to women, the fact people are drinking less and drinking better. And people will always drink whisky.”
What’s your advice to women who want to widen their whisky knowledge?
“I’m a really sociable person, I love going out, having a few drinks, I love meeting people. And you’re learning and don’t even know you’re educating yourself when you go to a whisky club, because it’s a night out, and everyone’s talking about whisky.
“And it’s not just about drinking Waterford. Drink all types and then you’re able to give every whisky the best chance, because you’ve tried and tested more.”
Two Irish whiskies to celebrate St Patrick’s Day 1. Waterford Arcadian Gaia 1.1, £76.95 for 70cl, Master of Malt
An organic single malt whisky and first in the Arcadian series, the barley’s sourced from six different farmers and matured in a combination of first-fill American oak, virgin American oak, Vin Doux Naturel and French oak casks.
On the nose, orange zest and salted caramel are in the driving seat, with florals, citrus notes, barley sugar, butterscotch, earthy spice and a kiss of sweetness on the lasting finish.
2. Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey, £34.95 for 70cl, Master of Malt
The Teeling brothers are also part of the new generation of distillers who have led the push into premium and innovative whiskies – and brought distilling back to Dublin for the first time in 100 years, when they revived the family brand in 2012.
Their flagship expression was the first Irish Whiskey to be finished in a rum barrel, bottled at 46% and non-chill filtered. With a deliciously fruity profile, vanilla, sweet spice and lingering woody undertones sing from the glass.