Cd launch celebrates best of local talent

A new CD due to be launched this week in Athlone will celebrate the best of original local music.

Athlone Community Radio 88.4fm officially launches 'Soul Sessions’ - featuring 15 local acts on one acoustic album this Friday in the Malt House at 9pm.

'Soul Sessions’ is a new project celebrating original songs and music by the best of local musicians. The album covers a wide variety of genres including folk, trad, Americana, bluegrass, classical, rock, blues, satire, and more.

The 15 acts featured on the album include Neil Moran with Ciaran Daly, JigJam, Cathal McCormack, Anne Marie Hynes with Ray Brown, Bill Sheriff, Black Dice, The Driftwood Manor, The Blaggards, Shawn Allen, Ann Darrow, Terry Donovan, John Flynn, Amanda Gunning, Aoife Doolan, and Fergal Cox with Ross McDonald.

The CD launch is the prelude to a 15-part radio series set to broadcast weekly from Saturday, September 5 next at 7pm on 88.4fm and www.athlonecommunityradio.ie.

Each episode in the series is dedicated to a different act featured on the album, including interviews with the musicians on their musical backgrounds, inspirations, aspirations, and the story behind their chosen song.

'Soul Sessions’ CD launch takes place on Friday, August 28 at The Malt House pub, Church Street from 9pm. Music on the night will be provided by some of  the musicians featured on the album. There is no cover charge but the CD will be available to purchase for only €10.

'Soul Sessions’ radio series was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with the television licence fee. The initiative was produced by Amanda Gunning, while sound engineers and editors were Johnny Callaghan and Kyle McCallan.