Music
Press
"I've got a one in three
Chance of becoming me"
The irresistible 'hook line' from Christy McGuigan's award-winning song,
"One in Three", which scooped first prize in the recent Belfast/Nashville
Panarts Songwriting Competition.
But what does it mean?
Right from the first chord, this song's rocky, upbeat, bluegrass feel
signals a knee-slapping, foot-tapping crowd pleaser - but look a little
closer, listen to those lyrics and you realise that the song is born out of
Christy's own personal experience; and the chilling statistic that
only one in three people who receive treatment for addiction will
survive. Christy said "It was ten years ago this month. Twenty four of us
were sitting in a room listening to our final words of advice and wisdom
before leaving the 'dry dock'. A doctor said 'statisticly, only one in three
of you are going to make it'. "From that moment I decided to be the one,
and then it dawned on me, I've a one in three chance of becoming me,
that was the hook for the chorus".
But serious subject matter can be delivered with humour as well as
honesty, the two most vital ingredients of recovery - and can be all
the stronger for it.
"Spent the summer time drinking whiskey and wine
The winter time up on detox creek
Up on the ridge with Dr G
And the boys in the white suits"
The opening lines immediately set the tone and tempo for the
journey of discovery that is to follow - one that the judges couldn't
get out of their heads.
Colin Magee of Panarts said:
“The first time I heard ‘One In Three’ I knew it was a quality song.
Christy McGuigan has created a wonderful melody with lyrics
that hold your attention from start to finish. Only a very gifted
songwriter could find the perfect combination of melody and lyric
with a catchy and unforgettable chorus.
Somehow he keeps your attention by using humour to look at a
difficult and personal subject; addiction. We listened to more than
one hundred new songs and this one stood out as a worthy
winner of the 1st annual Belfast Nashville Songwriters’ Contest.
Christy performed his song at the festival and always got the same
positive reaction; people smiled throughout the song but also knew
the message was a serious one”
"One in Three" is included on Christy's album, "All Growed UP", available
from all good record shops, www.soundsirish.com and www.cdbaby.com
It's now exactly ten years on from hearing those words of wisdom and
Christy's building a career as a successful songwriter, the story
continues...
- general press
Discography
I have released two CDs to date. The first is entitled "All Growed Up". The second song on the CD "One in Three" won the Belfast/Nashville songwriter festival in March 05 and has been released as a radio single as part of the prize. It is currently being played on major radio stations here. The song was also distributed to publishers in Nashville. Second CD/EP released April 2007. Two songs awarded semi-finale certificates from UKSongcontest. All songs receiving regular airplay in Ireland.
Photos
Bio
Christy McGuigan
Christy McGuigan was brought up in a family richly steeped in the old style entertainment world of vaudeville, music, and comedy.
With the influence of his father, a natural comedian, and gifted comic writer, and mother, comic actress, musician and still active comic writer, this man is a unique product in the 21st century.
As well as extensive tours of Ireland, Scotland and England, Christy
has taken his talent as far a field as Dubai (commissioned to perform for
royal family), Italy, Germany, Holland, Norway, Singapore and the USA.
His considerable songwriting and performance skills have seen him
play support act to, amongst others, Mary Black, Dwight
Yokum, Sean Keane, Fairport Convention, Juliet Turner, Bap Kennedy and most recently Brian Kennedy.
Songwriting and stage acting for twenty years now, Christy, in his live shows,
is increasingly drawing from his rich comedy roots.
His musicality and accomplished versatility is clear in his varied musical styles and instrumentation which always compliment the diversity of his lyrics and distinctive vocals.
A chance meeting and an introduction in 2004 took him to Nashville for
a six week trip. Here he was able to pit his skills with the best, playing at
the world famous Bluebird Cafe and Douglas Corner to mention but a few.
During his time there, he was able to meet some music publishers and get the song Wishing Well, (from his first self penned album “All Growed Up”) pitched to major country artist, Alison Krauss.
January 2005 and Christy won the first Belfast/Nashville Songwriter
Festival. for best song in English, with the song “One in Three”, also taken from “All Growed Up”. This opened many doors, and increasingly this man’s talents are being experienced, and thoroughly enjoyed, by the audiences’ it has always deserved.
March 2007 saw the release of Christy’s second piece of solo work; a CD/EP entitled Songwriter Vol 1 . This was premiered in Scotland with critical acclaim and two songs have since been awarded semi-finale certificates by UKSongcontest.
The Irish launch of the new CD was hosted in July 2007 by Fiddler's Green
Festival in Rostrevor where Christy is a longstanding performer and
facilitator. Having played support to Brian Kennedy earlier in the week, his
CD launch attracted a host of new admirers as well as his many fans and
friends.
Quotes and references;
Hi Christy, I hope the rest of your tour was as fabulous as your performance at East Kilbride Folk Club......you wowed the audience +++. Anne Gomez, East Kilbride Arts Centre
“ Christy McGuigan is not precious with his talents, he shares them joyously and leaves you feeling happy and glad to have experienced a very enjoyable, all round entertaining evening. If you are lucky enough to get the chance, go see him.” Jane Cowie, Annex, 9a Stewartville Street, Glasgow G11 5PE
" Christy Mcguigan made his first appearance at Stonehouse Folk Club and following a night of excellent music and songs we will certainly have him back again" Billy, Stonehouse Folk Club
I am simply delighted to recommend him. I have known Christy's family for many years. Both his parents were hugely talented scriptwriters so that Christy not only has been surrounded by theatre and song writing, but has inherited his parents' unique talent. As a singer, writer and vocal coach myself, I highly recommend Christopher McGuigan, both for his musical talent and sparkling personality.
Marjorie Wright, International Opera singer, Author, Vocal Coach
I have known Christy McGuigan for more than twenty years and in that time i have had the opportunity to work with him in many different situations ranging from concert preformance to recording studio and live radio.
He is an excellent musician and considerable songwriter with an exceptional ability to create a special atmosphere between himself and his audience.He has proven to me on many occasions to be a person of integrity and generosity with a great sense of humor.
Together with these qualities, he brings a sense od dedication and tenacity to any project which he undertakes. Colum Sands, Songwriter, Author, Broadcaster
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