February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
ACROSS THE BRIDGE OF HOPE
Various artists
U2, Sinead O’Connor, Van Morrison and Liam Neeson are among the artists who contributed to this 14-track CD of music and spoken words that benefits the Omagh Fund, which seeks to help the victims of the August 1998 bombing. The CD is the brainchild of Belfast-born Ross Graham, producer of the seminal Irish punk documentary "Shellshock Rock." From White Records Ltd. and V Entertainment Network, (212) 736-7505, ventnet@aol.com.
ANDYWHITE.COMPILATION
Andy White
Over the last 15 years, Belfast-born singer Andy White has built a successful career in Europe and a cult following in America. His writing style invites comparisons to Bob Dylan, though his voice is far easier on the ears. "andywhite.compilation" is a best-of collection, with hits culled from his six solo albums plus some previously unreleased tracks. Songs include "Looking for James Joyce’s Grave", "Street Scenes from my Heart" and his breakthrough single, "Religious Persuasion." From Cooking Vinyl Records, P.O. Box 1845, London W3 0ZA or andywhite.com.
Follow us on social media
Keep up to date with the latest news with The Irish Echo
JUST RELAX
Mood Enhancing Music from Ireland to India
Various artists
The label promises a collection of "transcendant music carefully chosen to induce mood changes within the stress of our normal daily lives." What it delivers is some nice, soothing music with a contribution — "Light of You" — from Dublin-based singer/songwriter Emer Kenny.As a whole, the album’s not particularly Irish, but fans of New-Age or world music might be intrigued. From Triloka Records, 6399 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 204, Los Angeles, CA 90048.
THE DIVINE RYANS
Wayne Johnston
The Irish Catholic Ryan family of Newfoundland have earned the nickname "divine" thanks to the number of members who’ve become priests or nuns. The clan divides its time between the two main family businesses, undertaking and newspaper publishing, or, as Uncle Reginald calls it, "digging up dirt of one kind or another." This comic novel is being made into a movie which will star Oscar-nominee Peter Postlethwaite. Broadway Books. 215 pp. $12.95.