Music
Press
"Best Irish debut album since Damien Rice's 'O'" - Hotpress Magazine
Eloquent album, On the face of it it's hard to get excited about yet another Irish singer songwriter. And yet Conlon does it so well. There's a rich warm glow to songs such as 'Vessel' and 'Bless Your Heart'. The strings add colour and dept to 'Old & Wise', 'The Will' and the plaintiff 'St Dymphna's Well', while the harmonies on better life are equally impressive. An interesting newcomer with potential.
- Jackie Hayden
I've been eagerly awaiting Ultan Conlon's debut album for quite some time and it doesn't fail to impress. Galwegian Ultan will forever have the tag line of being the last person to record with the late John Martyn who also contributed to the lyrics of 'Really Gone' and was very much championing Ultan's talents. With that vote of confidence do you really need me to confirm that Ultan Conlon is a great talent?
Sample MP3: The Will
The overwhelming mood of 'Bless Your Heart' is that this is a love album. If there was any justice in this world Ultan would have a massive global hit with the album opener 'The Universe Tune' and it'll become the first wedding song of choice for a new generation of couples; "You're greater than the Universe, it's true". The title track, the single 'The Will' and the beautiful 'Old & Wise' all deal with the delicate matters of the heart and relationships.
Ultan's voice is easy on the ear and it helps to fully communicate the sublime intelligent lyrics of the songs. It's the lyrics which carry the album and differentiates it from so much other music out there at the moment. "Love Will Burn Out Madness, It Remains Beyond The Grave"... 'Bless Your Heart'
'Bless Your Heart' is an album of ten tracks where half of them are really excellent tunes and are possible single contenders. 'Old & Wise' is one of the best tracks I've heard all year. Many of the songs contain strings but they're used sparingly and effectively throughout the album. If you're a fan of artists such as Declan O'Rourke and David Gray then 'Bless Your Heart' will appeal to you.
- 2 U I Bestow http://www.2uibestow.blogspot.com/
I have in my hand the debut album from Ultan Conlon, This 10 track gem is just amazing, From start to finish this album transports you into Ultan's world. Beautiful stand out tracks such as "Bless your heart" and "The Will" just make this record so special. An Irish album that deserves to be put up in the top spot of Irish albums in 2009. The artwork seen above reminds me of Bob Dylan's 1963 album "The Freewheelin" just without the women on his arm. Maybe I have it wrong but the lack of this women in the cover transpires in the album as we hear songs such as "The Boy Without" with lines such as "It's been a long time since my heart beat for a girl,a real girl, with explosion and spark, it's been a lonely year for this boy without a city, the boy without a kiss". Ultan sparks every emotion on this album and its one record i know ill be going back to every now and then.
I had the pleasure of seeing Ultan live recently in Galway (Review Here : http://indielimerick.blogspot.com/2009/10/ollie-cole-live-upstairs-at-roisin-dubh.html ) and the tracks he played that night are all hidden in this record, Live I found them even better as he poured his soul out on stage and that raw amazing voice is just that bit better when your in the same room. I also got a copy of a 5 track live album which almost captures this beautiful rawness. I cant wait to see the next chapter in Conlons music book and I am really looking forward to seeing the guy live again. Keep on eye on this one! - http://indielimerick.blogspot.com/
Discography
2002, live album (8 tracks)
2004, Ep, Ultan Conlon (5 tracks)
2006, Single 'Really Gone' W/ John Martyn
2009, Debut studio album 'Bless Your Heart'
2012, Second Album 'Songs Of Love So Cruel' (Post Production)
2012 'Seven Songs for Amy' (Producer, Soundtrack. Writer & Co writer of tracks..)
Photos
Bio
Galway man Ultan Conlon, a popular voice on the Irish gig circuit, has released his highly anticipated debut album Bless Your Heart, which has been critically acclaimed by HotPress magazine and described as ‘the most impressive Irish debut since Damien Rice’s O’ by the Evening Herald.
'Bless Your Heart' was written and produced by Ultan Conlon. The album was co-produced by Eoin McCann and Raoul Terzi and tracks were mixed by Kenneth Keary and Ultan Conlon.
‘Bless Your Heart’ was mastered by the legendary engineer Ray Staff, best known for working with Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, The Clash and Muse.
Legendary folk singer John Martyn liked Ultan’s sound so much after he played support for Martyn in 2005, he asked to record with Ultan’s then band UltanJohn, resulting in the recording of the beautiful single ‘Really Gone’, Martyn’s last release before his untimely death in February of 2009.
Ultan has since recorded a Martyn song, 'Back To Stay', which will be released on Aug 16th as part of a tribute album featuring artists such as 'Snow Patrol', 'Paolo Nutini', 'Phil Collins', 'The Cure', 'David Gray' to name but a few...
Ultan's music has also featured on the UK short film The Beholder, which screened at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival.
Also Ultan is currently producing the sound track to a feature film 'Seven Songs for Amy" and contributing two of his own tracks to the movie.
2012 will see the release of Ultan's eagerly awaited sophomore album 'Songs of Love So Cruel'. The album has already been recorded in London England, with young producer Tim Ross. Tim is son of legendary Irish songwriter Christie Hennessy.
Ultan’s influences include Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, John Martyn, REM, Van Morrison, Ryan Adams, Ron Sexsmith, Richard Hawley and The Stunning.
Ultan has played at various festivals, including Electric Picnic, The Hebcelt Festival in Scotland, Hard Working Class Heroes, and has supported numerous artists including the late John Martyn, Richard Hawley, Lisa Hannigan to name a few.
Ultan Conlon’s band consists of – Ultan Conlon, Eoin McCann, Steven Folan/Jon O'Connel and Cormac Dunne.
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