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Kenny Bogan is an Irish singer and songwriter that Ireland was just too oppressive, and thus ended up in Amsterdam. His album The skinhead and the Daisy sounds, his unmistakably Irish voice, actually Irish, but Irish in the manner of a young Van Morrison to the world by storm and in its own way with all the passion he has a bright band are recording songs.
The album was recorded in London. The lyrics are intelligent and poetic. The arrangements are solid, not to be bombastic, though they occasionally sit on the edge, but that makes the music great. It is played and sung with Irish passion, passionate and intense. Meanwhile, the arrangements are so sophisticated that you do together as a listener, as with Van's Astral Weeks, for years of enjoyment. He does at times also very similar to men like Gavin Friday and Jackie Leven. Pure Irish blues rock into a pack, sung with soul. Absolute world class! - Moors Magazine
This is Dubliner Kenny Bogan’s third album, showcasing a singer and a songwriter of easy confidence, basking in the quality of Jon Reynold’s reverent production.
Bogan sings in his natural voice, which brings an added realism to such classy pop-rock songs as ‘Lost’, ‘Folded Myself In Your Arms’, the title track and the more acoustic-based ‘My Own Redemption’. The latter is a good example of Bogan’s determination to write songs out of conviction, giving them a sense of reality that takes them beyond the field of mere tuneful ditties. ‘Better Learn How’ benefits from Reynolds’ drumming, which adds considerable poke to a track with soulful depth. There’s an attractive languor to ‘Three Colours’.
At its best, The Skinhead and the Daisy sparkles and crackles with fervent emotion. Well worth a listen.
JACKIE HAYDEN - Hot Press
Discography
The skinhead and the Daisy 2011
In Colours 2009
Little Victories 2008
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Bio
Kenny Bogan was born in 1977 in Dublin, Ireland. He started writing music, poetry and stories at a very early age. He introduced himself to the piano at eight. He started banging on the drums soon after. Irish music, of course, and a few local friends - and then there was a band. Who else? David Bowie. Leonard Cohen. Some techno. Lots of trad music. Anything good, really. The front-man quit the night before the first show. Someone had to sing. Kenny grabbed the mike and found a calling. He ran through the bars and clubs in Dublin - and did well. Too close to home, though. There was always something about the continent. He took his guitar to Amsterdam. He practiced his craft. He learned to sing, strum and blow the roof off the joint. There was an accident one year (an arm: don't ask). Just because you can't play doesn't mean the music stops coming. One learns to write it down. It's Ireland, late 60s, early 70s. The Troubles. The Miami Showband was huge. Kenny's dad played drums and took care of business. Terrorists killed three of them July 31, 1975. Tony survived. Kenny was born two years later. There is a history there. Father knows best. Tony told Kenny to keep on writing. A few years in Glasgow, the States. Back to Amsterdam. The first two albums ('Little Victories' and '3 Colours') were recorded at home. '3 Colours' caught the ear of the legendary John Reynolds. He wanted to hear more - and here we are. 'The Skinhead and the Daisy' was recorded in London at New Air studios in the spring and summer of 2010. It is scheduled for release in January, 2011 on IRL. The voice is unmistakably Irish; the lyrics are urgently poetic; the beats are seriously heavy. He's bright and vibrant alone; he's driven and intense with a band. This is what happens when you sing to exorcise demons
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