Acclaimed performer's Nenagh gig
Freddie White has long been synonymous with music of the highest quality. He has been part of the fabric of the live music scene in Ireland since the 1970s and his albums continue to sell well, amongst his loyal and newfound fan base.
In 1974, he was a founding member of Scullion, together with Philip King and Sonny Condell. Later he formed The Fake, regarded as one of the seminal Irish bands of the late 1970s. Next came The Freddie White Band formed in 1978, which toured with Eric Clapton that year.
His first album, Live on Tour, recorded by Nicky Ryan while touring with Clannad, brought him national attention. His second album, Do You Do, was the biggest selling Mulligan Label album of 1981. With these early albums, Freddie introduced an eclectic repertoire of music, which spanned musical genres and eras, to an Irish audience.
Other releases include ‘My Country’ in May 1999, which was a collection of eleven songs co-written with Ann O’Sullivan and based on the poetry of Don O’Sullivan.
In May 2002 the two-CD set Lost and Found was released, comprising digitally re-mastered versions of two of Freddie's best-selling early albums, albums, namely, Live on Tour and Do You Do, under the watchful eye of original producer PJ Curtis. The re-release was warmly welcomed not only by the many whose original vinyl copies had long since worn out, but also by those who delighted in discovering these classic recordings.
In 2004, Freddie White returned to Ireland after many years living in the USA and released an all-new studio album entitled Four Days in May. Recorded in Dublin with some of Ireland's finest musicians over a four-day period, it showcases Freddie's songwriting prowess and unerring choice of songs worthy of remarkable reinterpretation.
Since then he has toured regularly and also dedicated himself to the development of his latest recording, collaborating with songwriters Jimmy MacCarthy and Jim Barrett. Released in 2008, ‘Stormy Lullaby’, is a stunning collection of moody tracks in which Freddie White’s musicianship and voice shine through. He has once again teamed up with his old cohort Dan Fitzgerald to produce this gem. The album has an acoustic feel thanks to the input of a small, tight group of musicians from his native Cork.
Some tracks are newly written, while others (not previously recorded by Freddie) have proven their worth by becoming firm favourites with his live audiences. It showcases what Freddie does best – that is ‘get inside’ and deliver heartrending, troubled love songs in a manner guaranteed to stop you in your tracks. It is often said of Freddie that he does not merely ‘cover’ great songs; more often than not he improves on the originals. Indeed, if this were not the case, he would surely be more highly revered for his own songwriting accomplishments.
His keen ear for quality songs, undisputed talent for interpretation and exemplary songwriting skills, stand out in his most intimate offering. Freddie's album, ‘Here With You’ released in April 2012 introduced Trish Hickey and is a collection of songs from some of their favourite writers.
Freddie moved to Sydney, Australia in March 2011 but continued to tour Ireland and the UK regularly. He then resided in New York City for a few years and has now returned to Ireland.
His performances will feature new songs along with his classics from his 40-year career as a principal in the orchestra of Irish folk and rock music.
TICKETS
Freddie White – Saturday, January 21, 8pm – tickets: €22. More details at www.nenagharts.com.