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“Heirs to the throne of the best in Irish music…”- Patrick Brennan
Michael Brunnock - "So I Do"
By Pete Olshansky
"How do I explain my awkwardness?" Michael Brunnock sings on 'Shine,' a track from his solo debut album "So I Do." But there is nothing awkward about the album. 'Acoustic,' 'folk,' and 'Irish' are all words that have been used to describe Michael's music and while not necessarily wrong, they hardly scratch the surface of describing what is truly a fresh and unique album. From the moment the drums kick in on the opening track, music lovers will know that they are listening to something special.
Swirling banjos, acoustic guitar and lush strings lay the framework for the album, while Michael's vocals vacillate between delicate and assertive. In spite of of the instrumentation, "So I Do" isn't what one would call 'world music.' Nevertheless Michael's Irish heritage does creep out on tracks like "Fallen Leaves" and "Born Again" which feature fiddles that will make you swear you've just arrived in Dublin. The latter, a foot-thumping lyrical manifesto that criticizes organized religion, is so charged with energy that to call it impressive would just be lazy. Another track, "Man Overboard" (which features Jenna Nicholls on backing vocals) is so well crafted that its hook will undoubtedly get stuck in your head after one listen.
Having been the former frontman of the bands "The Van Winkles" and "Little Palace," Michael is no stranger on the scene. He definitely comes into his own on this disc though, showing a tremendous amount of growth as a musician. "So I Do" is exceptional, for sure. Awkward? Anything but.
- Pete Olshansky
Discography
1996- Bee Keeper (Little Palace)
1998- Car (Little Palace)
2000- Whole (Little Palace)
2007- So I Do (Michael Brunnock)
**all available on CD Baby and itunes
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Bio
Jan 2008
Michael Brunnock, a native of Ireland's, County Meath, rose through the burgeoning ranks, fronting the band “Little Palace” becoming the darlings of the Irish music press in the early to late 90's and following years.
Michael moved to New York City 7 years ago and quickly became a favourite live act at many popular downtown venues and found himself invited to open for bands like The Frames and The Swell Season. The success of his latest CD resulted earning him more and more fans as well as positive reviews in online music magazines ‘Giant Step’, ‘Fish and Crown’ and an interview on indiesoundsny.com. Recently he performed live on Channel FOX 5’s ‘Fearless Music’ show, which is viewed by millions every Saturday in the U.S.
Michael is also part of New York’s Fairplay Collective, along with Brendan O’Shea, Jenna Nicholls and Mark Dignam.
His new album, “So I Do” is a collection of pure intimate songs, voices and acoustic guitar. It is raw and very much performance based. From the beginning there is an Irish flavor to this lyrically charged contemporary folk rock sound, which might be expected from an artist holding on to his identity in the melting pot that is New York. It was recorded in Michael’s Araglin Studio in Queens over a period of about six months. Over all there are 17 musicians performing on this record, ranging from traditional Irish to New York jazz players.
From here, influences as varied as Elvis, Planxty, Neil Young, Gillian Welch, Dead Can Dance and AC/DC, have shaped Michael's earnest intelligence, into a mesmerizing body of work to date.
Since the release of ‘So I Do’ in June 2007 Michael returned to his native Ireland last August marking his first Irish concerts in 6 years. He has been touring extensively in the States as well.
The New Year is seeing him playing in such renowned venues in New York as The Bowery Ballroom and The Living Room and Joe’s Public Theater and he is currently busy scheduling his second Irish Tour for February 2008.
Contact: Nika Bittera ~ 086 868 7396 ~ nika.bittera@hotmail.com
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