It was 10 years ago, during my Irish years, that I first blogged about singer/songwriter Pierce Turner. One of Ireland’s most talented, original and prolific musicians, Turner remains a niche performer, unheard and unappreciated by most, even in his native land.
He has released his latest album which I commend to you. It’s entitled Vinegar Hill, which was the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the 1798 Rebellion. The site is in Turner’s native county Wexford.
The production of the album was largely crowdfunded, Turner’s fans bunging in a sum of money in return for various goodies. One of those was an offer by Turner to handwrite the lyrics of one of his songs. Here is my prize of the words to Moonbeam Josephine, from Turner’s signature album from 1995, Mañana in Manhattan.
Here’s the link to the song itself.
The Mañana in Manhattan album set the bar high and Turner has not always cleared it since. Yet he works on in the studio and sparingly in concerts in New York (where he lives) and in his native country to a devoted audience.
With his new album Vinegar Hill, Turner takes some old Irish songs and tunes, throws them skywards, retains melody and words but reworks the arrangements in a rollicking manner that might outrage the traditionalists.
Maybe in another 10 years I’ll let you know what the latest is with Mr Pierce Turner.
Roy, congratulations of the lyrics to their song! Crowdfunding is found in all aspects of our world these days and are often successful. This was a great idea for them to give away items such as these lyrics!
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Yes Annika, it’s a great personal connection with the artiste, to think he sat down for 10-15 minutes just to produce that for a fan.
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Interestingly, there’s a book called Vinegar Hill by A. Manette Ansay. I wonder if it talks about this battle, too?
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Had a quick look, don’t think it’s connected Julie.
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Fascinating post, Roy. Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for reading Pat 🙂
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This brings back some interesting memories of summer battles in our public housing estate. On hot days the ‘not so nice’ Donegal neighbors would blast out Rebel songs from their back garden paying no heed to the poor minority Protestant neighbors. The very nice nurse lady across the road came from an Orange family. My mum and she became close friends despite their differences in background.
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It must have been tense in those times. Probably still is. I was in Donegal Town just once and, wandering around the bars in the evening, I could feel the eyes scrutinising me carefully, though nothing was said.
Among ex-pats though the Rebel songs have largely become good singalongs, some not even aware of their origins.
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Did they hear your accent???
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Oh I guess so, but I was no bother, drinking my pint in a corner.
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LOL!
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That interesting…..I must check it out😀
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You might like Pierce – original and entertaining. A guy I’d like to have a beer with.
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