Slideshow of photos and posters from concerts and events in 2013
with songs from the album THIS NEW MORNING
> Luka Bloom - HOMEPLACE
HOMEPLACE
New Book of Lyrics and Photographs by Luka Bloom
"This beautiful book includes personal snapshots taken by Luka,
scraps of scribbles from notebooks, and lyrics from a large selection of songs
written over the last couple of decades."
You stood at the edge last night
The dark came in
A need for closure
Crept under your skin
You planned it for days
Simple and clear
Struggling was over
Past the point of fear
Did somebody’s prayer get to
The will to live in you?
You pulled through
You pulled through
So this new morning
Trust in your heart
And know that your life
Is your great work of art
With respect to the light
And the darkness above
May the root of this day
Be love
Be love
Be love
Did somebody’s prayer get to
The will to live in you?
You pulled through
You pulled through
You survived
You survived
You’re here another day
Of precious life
You survive
You survive
You survive
Video Shot and Directed by Mia Mullarkey of Ishka Films - www.ishkafilms.com
'You Survive' is a story of survival in the face of a possible ending of one's life.
It came to me from a friend in West Cork, who bravely shared with me her story.
She also suggested I needed to write a song, as there is such an epidemic of
people ending their lives in Ireland these days. Having heard her story, I decided to
write a song about survival and love. A song about reaching out; hanging in.
Not an easy song to write, or to get right. I loved recording it with Brian Masterson;
love the strings and Frankie Lane's sublime pedal steel playing. Mia Mullarkey had
filmed a nice video for Dignity and Backbone last summer. I invited her to do a film
for another song. She chose You Survive. I was surprised and delighted. I asked
her to do what she felt, and left her at it. My only condition was that I not be in it.
Just singing the song in the background. Mia is a great artist with a great heart.
I love the way she films. In this little film, she has felt all the lonesomeness of the
song, as well as the love and determination. And brought this to the screen with
the grace and goodness in her nature. I never 'plug' my songs in any big way.
I just let them off and whatever happens happens. But I really hope people see
and hear this. And if it shines a little light in one person's darkness then it's job
is done.
Luka Bloom
The John Murray Show on RTÉ Radio 1
Thursday, 31 January 2013 Listen here > >
Listen back to an interview with Luka Bloom & Gitti Maas, who inspired the song 'You Survive'.
Gitti courageously talks about her feelings of hopelessness, isolation and her attempts of suicide. www.rte.ie/radio1/the-john-murray-show/programmes/2013/0131
01. How Am I To Be
02. A Seed Was Sown
03. Heart Man
04. Capture A Dream
05. The Race Runs Me
06. You Survive
07. Riverdays
08. Across The Breeze
09. Gaman
10. Your Little Wings
11. Dignity And Backbone
12. The Ride
13. No Big Deal
Available to purchase and download on www.lukabloom.com
We are excited to bring the new album to you and have slotted May Day as the
launch date on www.lukabloom.com.
It has been a very fruitful and enjoyable experience. From writing the songs and deciding
which to include, to gathering a fantastic bunch of musicians together to work on the album,
to mixing and mastering the work and now here we are on the final leg of the journey.
It's been two years a'growing and hopefully worth the wait.
> Luka Bloom - Singing for the DALAI LAMA in AUSTRALIA
A message from Luka Bloom (29/04/2011):
And finally some BIG NEWS!
While in Australia, I met two great women, called Lynn Bain, and Aileen Barry,
from an organisation called Dalai Lama in Australia - (see
dalailamainaustralia.org).-
They very kindly invited me to participate in a series of major events in Australia
with The Dalai Lama in June. I will be singing 'As I waved goodbye' each evening
before His Holiness speaks in Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth.
And there will be a concert in Perth at the end.
This is an enormous honour, for which I am deeply grateful. That such a simple little
song could find it's own way to such an arena and in this company is wildest dreams
territory. It vindicates the simple act of waking each day and going to work in song.
My nephew and friend Conor Byrne will accompany me and we are both thrilled to
be invited.
Dalai Lama In Australia Ltd is
very pleased to announce that Luka Bloom has very
generously agreed to join us for the upcoming Australian visit by His Holiness.
Luka will be opening each Public Conversation and welcoming His Holiness onto
the stage by performing a song he has written about His Holiness escaping from
Lhasa into exile in 1959. The song is called AS I WAVED GOODBYE
(Leaving Lhasa).
Here is a You Tube clip of
Luka performing his song in Dublin.
We are also happy to announce Overflow Locations for both Brisbane and Canberra.
Tickets for the Public Conversations have been very popular, with Perth the only city
with Tickets still available!
To enable as many people as possible to partake in the happiness and excitement of the
Public Conversations, we have arranged for Overflow Locations in Canberra and Brisbane,
where a live stream of His Holiness (and LUKA!) will be shown on the big screen.
Luka take to the stage to perform the Between The Mountain And The Moon
highlight As I Waved Goodbye at the following events:
Sat 11 Jun 2011 - Public Conversation @ Convention Centre, Melbourne
Tue 14 Jun 2011 - Public Conversation @ National Convention Centre, Canberra
Fri 17 Jun 2011 - Public Conversation @ Botanic Gardens, Riverstage, Brisbane
Sun 19 Jun 2011 - Public Conversation @ Burswood Dome, Perth
Sun 19 Jun 2011 - SONGS FOR THE DALAI LAMA Concert, Perth
More info:
www.dalailamainaustralia.org
DVDs, CDs and MP3 digital downloads of the Public Conversations with the Dalai Lama
are available from the
DALAI LAMA IN AUSTRALIA.
News - The Office of His Holiness The Dalai Lama
His Holiness begins teachings on ‘Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ in Melbourne
Melbourne, Australia, 11 June, 2011 (By Tsering Kyinzom Dhongdue)
His Holiness the Dalai Lama began his first day of teachings this morning at
Melbourne Convention and Entertainment Centre. Over 3000 people came
to hear him speak on Bodhisattva's Way of Life by Shantideva....
For the second half of the day, His Holiness gave a public talk on "Happiness,
Life & Living" in the same hall. Irish folk singer Luka Bloom opened the
event by welcoming His Holiness on stage. "As I waved goodbye"
was a song specially composed for His Holiness’ life journey of leaving
Tibet and going into exile....
www.dalailama.com/news/post/691-his-holiness-begins-teachings-on-bodhisattvas-way-of-life-in-melbourne
His Holiness' Australian tour concludes with "Songs for the Dalai Lama" concert
Perth, Australia, 19 June 2011 (By Tsering Kyinzom Dhongdue)
His Holiness addressed a sell-out crowd of 14,500 people at the Burswood Dome
in West Australian capital Perth this morning. He spoke on "Spirituality in the
Modern World" at his last "public conversation" as part of the
2011 Australian tour...
....The day concluded with the "Songs for the Dalai Lama" concert.
Some of the big names in the music industry have given their time to celebrate
His Holiness' journey and support Tibetan charities. They include Tim Rogers,
Tex Perkins, Baby Animals, Katie Noonan's Elixir Trio, Lior with String Quartet,
Adalita, Old Man River, Luka Bloom, Lyrics Born and The Nobel Funk Off.
Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal and the Gyuto Monks of Tibet also
performed during the 6-hour concert. Luka Bloom, the Irish folk singer
who has been travelling on His Holiness tour, sang his song "As I waved
goodbye" for the last time with a group of musicians.
For the end of the Dalai Lama’s tour of Australia, someone had the bright
idea of holding a concert to showcase some of Australia’s best musicians.
The theme of the day was Sharing A Common Journey, reflected by the
uniting power of music. It was an exciting day, first of all everyone was excited
to hear what the Dalai Lama had to say and then excited to hear what some
of Australia’s favourite musicians would choose to play for their 25 minute sets.
...Luka Bloom who has been touring with His Holiness played a song dedicated
to Tibet (As I Waved Goodbye) and he and the other musicians
were presented with Tibetan scarves.
His holiness left the stage with the framed song translated into Tibetan.
...Luka Bloom came back onstage to perform his balladeering songs that he
takes very seriously. He appeared an obvious choice to tour with the Dalai
Lama as he draws attention to injustices in the world (I Am Not At War With
Anyone), about the importance of forgiveness (Miracle Cure) and human
compassion (I’ll Walk Beside You). His nephew Conor Byrne joined him
onstage to play flute on You Couldn’t Have Come at a Better Time. Whilst
other artists may dilly dally with putting their face to a cause, Bloom obviously
lives his message...
www.fasterlouder.com.au/reviews/events/28994/Songs-For-the-Dalai-Lama-Burswood-Dome-Perth-19062011
Luka Bloom @ The Anthology, San Diego, CA - Photo by Eileen Pinto
TOUR DATES in the USA & CANADA
May 17, 2009 - New York, NY - Joe's Pub > SOLD OUT
May 19, 2009 - Staten Island, NY - House Concert
May 21, 2009 - San Diego, CA - Anthology
May 22, 2009 - Santa Monica, CA - McCabe's Guitar Shop > SOLD OUT
May 24, 2009 - San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
May 25 2009 - San Francisco, CA - House Concert
May 28, 2009 - Portland, OR - Mississippi Studio
May 29, 2009 - Seattle, WA - The Triple Door
May 30, 2009 - Vancouver, BC - St. James Hall
June 3, 2009 - Denver, CO - The Soiled Dove Underground
June 6, 2009 - Chicago, IL - Old Town School of Folk Music > 2 SHOWS
June 7, 2009 - Milwaukee, WI - Shank Hall
June 9, 2009 - Sykesville, MD - Baldwin's Station
June 10, 2009 - Vienna, VA - Jammin' Java
June 12, 2009 - Rockland, ME - The Strand Theatre
June 13, 2009 - Brownfield, ME - Stone Mountain Arts Center
June 14, 2009 - Foxborough, MA - Showcase Live
June 16, 2009 - Saratoga Springs, NY- Caffé Lena > SOLD OUT
June 17, 2009 - Piermont, NY - Turning Point > SOLD OUT
June 18, 2009 - Philadephia, PA - World Cafe Radio Session
June 19, 2009 - South Park, PA - South Park Amphitheater > cancelled due to weather!
June 20, 2009 - Philadephia, PA - World Cafe Live
June 21, 2009 - New York, NY - City Winery
Irish singer Luka Bloom a hit in New York City
By MIKE FARRAGHER
Irish Voice Newspaper Columnist
For anyone who goes to see a concert at Joe's Pub in Manhattan, you know the
place runs like clockwork. They do two shows each night and they usher
guests in and out, without being rude, like military efficiency.
In retrospect, this was probably not a great place for Luka Bloom to play
last week, since his concerts are a prolonged communion with the audience
peppered with stories and songs.
"I only have a little more than an hour," he grumbled good-naturedly,
"so there will be no s**** talking tonight. It's a shame because I really love
s**** talkin' with a New York audience."
Looking tanned and trim after a swing through Australia, Bloom wasted no time
diving into the new songs from his latest collection, "Eleven Songs".
He is clearly proud of all 11 of them, as he featured the majority of these tunes
into his tight set. On "Eleven Songs", Bloom experimented with
jazz and flamenco textures, but in this live setting that found him alone with
an acoustic guitar, he provided a greater focus on the powerful songwriting
that exists at the core of the new album............
"I told them that if I was forced to begin my 2009 tour of American in New
York, I would have to end it here as well," Bloom told the sellout crowd,
which means you will get another chance to see him if you missed him last
week.
Bloom never fails to deliver an entertaining show, and you are hereby
advised to catch him at a town near you! After playing gigs in upstate New
York that include the Turning Point in Piermont on June 17 and Cafe Lena in
Saratoga on June 16, Bloom will conclude his tour at City Winery (55 Varick
Street, New York 212-608-0555) on June 21.
He will also play Philadelphia's famous World Cafe club and radio program on
June 20.
Luka 'chuffed' to be coming back
By STUART DERDEYN, The Province
Bloom sees visit as a chance to reconnect with fans and old friends Luka Bloom
recalls amazing times at the Commodore when he visited Vancouver regularly.
Three years shy of his first strum in an American club, he released
Riverside on Reprise. Acoustic Motorbike (1992) and Turf (1994) followed and
the guy was a regular in new folk circles.
His live shows, frequently on bills with Spirit of the West, were legendary.
This city even winds up in a lyric in the touching song "The Man Is Alive"
on Riverside.
So why has it been more than a decade since Bloom was here, let alone with a
new album getting Canadian release? The stunning Eleven Songs is out on
Bar/None this month.
"It's been a while since a CD of mine was released in Canada --
unfortunate," says Bloom. "Vancouver holds an important place in my life
and there was a time, in the 1990s, when I had amazing times at the Commodore
and visited regularly...."
www2.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html
Songwriter Luka Bloom makes room for serendipity
By ALEXANDER VARTY, Straight.com
The subconscious mind has a wisdom of its own, although the connections it
makes aren't always apparent on any kind of rational level. And those
intuitive processes are at least a part of what's going on with Eleven
Songs, Irish singer-songwriter Luka Bloom's 15th solo CD.
www.straight.com/article-223413/songwriter-luka-bloom-makes-room-serendipity
01. There Is A Time
02. I'm On Your Side
03. I Hear Her, Like Lorelei
04. I Love The World I'm In
05. Sunday
06. Fire
07. When Your Love Comes
08. See You Soon
09. Eastbound Train
10. Everyman
11. Don't Be Afraid Of The Light That Shines Within You
Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Luka Bloom will release his
twelfth album, Eleven Songs, on
October 10th 2008 on Big Sky Records. The album will be preceded
by the lead radio single, 'I'm On Your Side'.
Returning to the raw live sound of his earlier records and brimming with
inspiring lyrics and sumptuous melodies, Eleven Songs reminds us why
Bloom is such a master of the concert stage. The album was co-produced
by Luka and David Odlum (ex-Kila and ex-The Frames) and recorded
in Grouse Lodge in County Westmeath.
Musicians on the album include Dave Hingerty (ex-The Frames), Trevor
Hutchinson, Liam O'Maonlai (ex-Hothouse Flowers), Paul Smith, Cora Venus
Lunny, Ken Edge, and the Gardiner St. Gospel Choir. Backing vocals are
Sinead Martin and Robbie Moore.
Like many Irish families Luka Bloom comes from a family of singers and
songwriters and first went on tour many moons ago with older brother
Christy Moore. In 1987 Luka went to the US and toured with The Pogues,
The Violent Femmes, Hothouse Flowers and The Cowboy Junkies, and in
all has now enjoyed eighteen years of successful worldwide tours.
In 1990, Luka was signed to Warner Music in LA and over the next four
years recorded three albums for them. Luka has released a further
seven albums on his own label, Big Sky Records.
Over the years Luka has brought his songs to clubs, theatres, festivals,
bars and arenas all over the world. In the last 10 years he has
concentrated in performing in Australia, Holland, Belgium and Germany.
His incredibly gifted electro-acoustic guitar playing guarantees an
impassioned live performance of his original, poetic and melodic songs.
Eleven Songs, the new album from Luka Bloom, releases October
10th 2008 on Big Sky Records through RMG Chart.
Luka will tour Ireland in October and November - tickets on sale now
10 October Birr Theatre, Birr, Co. Offaly
11 October The Dock, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim
15 October The Waterfront, Belfast
17 October The Forum, Waterford
18 October The Savoy, Cork
01 November Vicar St., Dublin
Much-loved Irish troubadour Luka Bloom announces the release of his
new album 'Eleven Songs', out on Big Sky/Shock Records October 18.
After recording his last few, slighly more experimental projects at home, Luka
has returned to a top flight album in Dublin to record what could well be a career
defining record. Co-produced, recorded and mixed by original Frames guitarist
David Odlum, the album will be followed by extensive touring; touring
which will see Luka return to Australia for shows in the first quarter of 2009..........
Steve Morse's Corner @ ICONS Irish Music & Arts Festival www.iconsfestival.com - August 2008
Idealism still fills Luka Bloom's world. Save all your cynicism because Luka
doesn't want to hear it. He's a singer-songwriter who continues to churn out
great songs; hence his prized addition to this year's ICONS lineup; while
doing it with heartfelt hope and optimism......
"Cynicism just isn't an option for me", Luka says from his home in Ireland.
"I find cynicism almost boring, actually. It's an easy way out. It's easy to
look at the whole scenario and just say, 'You know what? (Bleep) it.' But,
no. There are a lot of great people in this world who are really trying to
make it a better place - and who want to live simple, creative, beautiful
lives. And I can choose which way I want to be. Do I want to hide? Do I want
to just not bother? Or do I want to participate? I'm choosing in my own
personal little way to participate by writing these songs and coming at
people to offer another way of looking at all of this. We're so media driven
and so driven toward fear. I think if people can come into themselves and
really look at the potential within them, there's a chance that you can turn
some of this fear around."
When Luka is on a roll, it's wise to let him continue. Music for him is not
just a series of notes, but a way of redefining life.
"As I go on - I'm 53 now - I've kind of lost all interest in being clever.
And I've lost interest in trying to impress people in any way. I've become a
believer, in a very simple way, of saying what you feel in the moment. I
just put it in a song and put it out there. We live in a world where people
are bombarded with imagery and bombarded with sounds of all sorts, and I
just want to present people with something that is really simple.".....
What is also occupying his mind these days is the completion of a new CD
entitled "Songs" [Eleven Songs], which he'll put out through
his website in mid-September, right around the time of ICONS. He describes
it as an old-school record made live in the studio with great musicians such as bassist
Trevor Hutchinson
of Lunasa and drummer
Dave Hingerty,
a longtime member of the Frames.
"I wanted to make a record that has some of the feel of the great Robert
Plant/Alison Krauss collaboration" (which came out last year). "I wanted to
make something that had a timeless feel to it, where you could hear the room
and have good people playing together live. And we did it. It's just one of
those moments in life where all the elements came together in a way that
every moment of the recording was utterly enjoyable. I'm really, really
excited to release this album."
Luka Bloom, the much loved Irish troubador who has been impressing audiences for
years with his exhilarating live solo performing style, announces the release of his new
album "Eleven Songs" on Bar/None Records on March 10th.
"Eleven Songs" is his eleventh album and it is a return to the bold production
work of his early critically acclaimed Warner Bros. releases 1990’s major label debut
Riverside and 1991’s The Acoustic Motorbike. In the interim he has continued to work
up innovative approaches to solo acoustic guitar and his voice has developed an
incredible range that rolls from deep bass tones to soaring falsetto.
For "Eleven Songs", which Luka co-produced, recorded and mixed
with original Frames’ guitarist David Odlum, he has written a classic batch of
songs including the catchy country folk of "On Your Side" and the
poignant tour de force "Don’t Be Afraid of the Light That Shines Within You".
The record features Luka on a number of different guitars with tasteful backup that
includes stand up bass and drums on some tracks and strings and a choir on
others but is always centered with Luka’s voice and guitar.
In November 2007, Luka sat down with Odlum to discuss the 20 songs he had
to consider for his the next record. The album was recorded at Grouse Lodge
in County Westmeath where they were joined by Dave Hingerty (ex-The Frames),
drums; Trevor Hutchinson, double bass, Liam O'Maonlai (ex-Hothouse Flowers)
and Paul Smith on pianos. Additional musicians included Joe Csibi, who brought
a string quartet from Dublin, Kenneth Edge on soprano sax and clarinet, Conor
Byrne on flute, pedal steel guitar by Joshua Grange and additional vocals by
Sinead Martin, Robbie Moore, and the Gardiner Street Gospel choir.
Says Luka, "By the time we left Grouse Lodge 20 songs became 15, and
we knew we were on to something good. And suddenly we were done by
mid May, so off we went to Black Box in France again, and over 10 days,
15 songs became 11. We were done and we were, and are, very happy."
The press in Ireland has been enthusiastic about Eleven Songs’ release. Hot Press
proclaimed, "Bloom is nothing if not consistent. This is his 11th solo album
in a career that stretches back over 30 years and he hasn’t made as duff record
yet…it is warm and sepia-toned…The predominant theme is a spiritual one,
encompassing love and loss: the crunch track is the wonderfully optimistic
‘Don’t Be Afraid of The Light That Shines Within You.’ Reminiscent of Astral
Weeks-era, Van Morrison meets U2’s ‘I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking
For.’ It boasts soaring string and the massed voices of Gardiner Street Gospel
Choir – a superb synthesis. All told 11 Songs is an album that reveals a superb
craftsman working at the top of his game. Savour it."
"Eleven Songs"' stellar track
"Don’t Be Afraid of The Light That Shines Within You"
expresses Luka’s feelings at the beginning
of 2009 and honors the yearly feast on February 1st in his hometown of Kildare,
Ireland when groups of people gather to welcome the beginning of Spring and
celebrate Brigid, the Patron Saint of Kildare who was the goddess of love, poetry
and justice in pre-Christian Ireland. Luka says, "Every year we gather to
welcome the light into our world; and to hope that more light will shine in the
world; and that someday out of the darkness of war, hunger, greed, poverty,
will come the light of community, sharing, justice, music, dance, peace and
love. I wanted to write a simple song to share with everyone in Kildare, and
light a spark for change. He wrote the song around 2000 and for years only
sang it in Kildare, but in 2008 he felt a surge of energy around this song and
recorded it for Eleven Songs. Luka continues, "This song is my prayer for
the world, and I send it out at the start of this exciting and dangerous year,
with love and hope in my heart for our shared future. Songs can also be
prayers, blessings, and they can be a spark to ignite something beautiful
in anybody. January 2009 could mark a great beginning. I hope it is"
The critical praise for "Eleven Songs" has also included a
"4 Star" rave in The Irish Times. ".he's sizzling like a
neophyte who's just discovered the magic in a newly minted song. Sure,
there are traces of Bloom's trademark percussive guitar style and his
political instinct on Fire, but the rest is a highly personal journey: fingering
stillness and, most of all, what it means to live comfortably in one's own
skin. Acoustically, Bloom has created a space that serves his meditations
well..this is a collection that doesn't so much assault the senses as infiltrate
them, lingering long after the final note has sounded. A quietly triumphant
return to his roots."
Returning to the raw live sound of his earlier records and brimming with
inspiring lyrics and sumptuous melodies, Eleven Songs reminds us why
Luka is such a master of the concert stage and you can hear the pleasure
that was had by all the participants in the album's perfect grooves.
FaceCulture spoke about his new record Eleven Songs, Tribe, Robert Plant,
Allison Kraus, hopeful songs, great musicians, When Your Love Comes, reason
of that certain title, playing with a band, feeling confident, musical
cycles, writing songs, I'm On Your Side, friendship.
FaceCulture spoke to Luka Bloom about Groningen and Utrecht,
growing up, his parents, the death of his father, playing guitar, writing
songs, being alone and happy, moments of magic, his obsesson in
finishing songs, the new album Tribe, Simon O'Reilly, Cafe del Mar,
Air, his sound, making a record, songs on the album Tribe, comparing
people, proud of other cultures, homeless people and lots more.
I hate watching violent movies. Always did. whenever I find myself watching one, I look
through closed fingers, and wait for the hard parts to pass. That's what it was like last
night trying to watch the new DVD for the first time. I loved the bits in the documentary
section where I'm playing with friends, or walking with my sister; but I couldn't be looking
at or listening to myself talking so much. The only part of the DVD I could watch without
freaking was when I was playing guitar, because it's the first time I've watched myself
do that, and I still have no clue what I'm doing, which is a bit of fun.
What I'm saying is I would never have done this. Only for members of my family and a
few people close to my family, the DVD would never have happened. Niall, Usna,
Turlough, Anne, and all the people they assembled, made this happen.
They started to ask me about it 3 years ago and I didn't want to know about it. Just
let me write songs and sing them and I'm happy. But the lads just thought it was time
for this, and they persisted. I thought they were mad.
So many great people came over to Dublin for a mighty night in the Helix. From all
over the place. We had a lovely time.
I'm not going to go into the details of the delay in getting the DVD finished, but I'll
just say there were serious issues with the Helix gig from a technical perspective.
We lost all but 50 minutes of the gig. I was prepared to let the project go, but Niall
and Usna persisted, and in time they rescued enough of the show to consider finishing.
Then I got the idea of bringing a few people round to the house for a Saturday afternoon,
to get a different buzz.
Then we approached the lads in Holland about using the documentary...... And all
of a sudden nearly 3 years later here we are.
2 gigs, a bunch of songs, way too much of me talking shite.
I can't watch it, and I never will again.
But for people who like these things, I hope the DVD satisfies your curiosity.
And I hope you enjoy the songs, and the shots of the Burren.
I've learned something from the DVD, and I'm grateful for that.
Its great to sing and play music. But maybe not so great to be trying to explain
yourself. Maybe there's no need. Maybe it is best to sing the song, and then
shut up. I think so.
See what you think.
This was a long tough road, especially for Niall and Usna at Union Station Productions.
I thank them and admire them for their resilience and conviction. And I thank all the
people who helped put the 2 gigs together.
But most of all, I thank the people who took time and trouble to travel to Dublin to attend the Helix gig.
We really hope the wait is worth it for you now.
It's great to have it done.
Right so, I'm off to make a record...
God bless,
Luka
The Luka Bloom DVD 'The Man Is Alive' is available to buy from
www.lukabloom.com.
AN AFTERNOON IN KILDARE
DVD - Tracklist
01. I Am Not At War With Anyone
02. Lebanon
03. No Matter Where You Go, There You Are
04. Sunny Sailor Boy
05. Water Ballerina
06. Lighthouse
07. Rainbow Day
08. You Couldn't Have Come At A Better Time
09. Perfect Groove
10. True Blue
The setting for this afternoon gathering couldn't have been more inspiring.
The open fields of Kildare and the Bog of Allen are the backdrop for music
with friends and family. We get an intimate feeling with Luka in his home,
where many of his most recent songs were written. Water Ballerina, You
Couldn't Have Come At A Better Time, are still lyrically emotional classics.
AN EVENING IN DUBLIN
DVD - Tracklist
1. Primavera
2. Innocence
3. Here And Now
4. Peace On Earth
5. City Of Chicago
6. Don't Be Afraid Of The Light That Shines Within You
7. Exploring The Blue
8. Gone To Pablo
9. The Man Is Alive / Hill Of Allen
Luka has made great connections with audiences in Australia, Belgium,
Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, the UK and the US throughout
his career, so he personally invited his fans to come and experience an
intimate gig in a Dublin venue. The mood is sumptuous and songs like The Man
Is Alive and City Of Chicago are performed with outstanding passion - pure
dynamite! Luka made it a stunning night and opened up for a questions and
answers session afterwards.
MY NAME IS LUKA
DOCUMENTARY
In this feature we get a personal insight into Luka: the artist, the writer
and performer from his home in County Kildare and with his family in County
Clare. This documentary shines light on the inspirations for his songs and
the natural settings of Ireland which bring out his expressive lyrics.
THE MAN IS ALIVE
LIVE CD - Tracklist
01. I Am Not At War With Anyone
02. Lebanon
03. Water Ballerina
04. No Matter Where You Go, There You Are
05. Innocence
06. Lonesome Robin
07. Primavera
08. Peace On Earth
09. Gypsy Music
10. Thank You For Bringing Me Here
11. Exploring The Blue
12. Rainbow Day
13. The Man Is Alive
14. Hill Of Allen
15. Don't Be Afraid Of The Light That Shines Within You
16. Love Is A Place I Dream Of
The diversity of the performance from Dublin and Kildare has made for a fine
collection of new and old songs with magical moments captured throughout.
Romantic songs like Love Is A Place I Dream Of and the call for Peace On
Earth are among the many beautiful tracks on this Live CD. Luka is a live
performer like no other, and his spirit and music are really alive on these
exceptional recordings.
The Irish Times - The Ticket - Friday, March 21, 2008
MusicDVDs - The latest releases reviewed
* * * *
LUKA BLOOM - The Man Is Alive
Union Station Productions
The naked honesty of Luka Bloom's double DVD and live CD is
breathtaking. Here's a man who's never been afraid to buck trends.
Fans have witnessed the continual evolution of the artist formerly
known as Barry Moore: from his woolly jumper folk days to Red
Square, and on to his incarnation as Luka Bloom. This is an
Aladdin's cave of frank interviews, insightful observations and
a gabháil full of intimate live performances (one in Bloom's
own front room). The Man Is Alive is a snapshot of someone
whose quest is far from over, but whose comfort in his own skin bears
testament to a road well travelled. And the music's not half-bad
either. Magnificent, in fact. www.themanisalive.com
Luka Bloom recently released a 2 DVD, 1 CD set entitled "The Man is Alive".
It includes two concerts — one in Luka’s house in Nass, Co. Kildare and the other
at the Helix in Dublin, along with a question and answer session. It also includes
the Dutch documentary "My Name is Luka" and a CD with songs from the concerts.
Luka recently spoke with Cindy Reich from "Celtic Connections" via phone from
his home in Naas on a rainy evening in March.
The Indie Can Film Festival is
holding its second film festival
dedicated to the independent low budget filmmaker on
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25th and SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 26th.
The event will be held at THE INNIS TOWN HALL THEATRE,
located on the University of Toronto campus.....
The Indie Can Film Festival mission is to offer the independent
filmmaker the opportunity to screen his or her film to an audience
of peers and the public....
My Name is Luka
Saturday, November 25, 2006
7:30 pm to 8:25 pm
Genre: Documentary
Running Time: 52 minutes
Produced by: Tim Klok
Directed by: Helmut Boeijen
Written by: Helmut Boeijen
Cast: Luka Bloom
"My Name is Luka" portrays Luka Bloom, younger brother
of Irish folk hero Christy Moore, in his own personal environment.
At home, in music town Doolin and at his sister Anne's place he
talks about his life and music and plays some of his great songs.
The film is also a portrait of rural Ireland and its musical history.
"My Name is Luka" portrays Luka Bloom, younger brother
of Irish folk hero Christy Moore, in his own personal environment.
At home, in music town Doolin and at his sister Anne's place he
talks about his life and music and plays some of his great songs.
The film is also a portrait of rural Ireland and its musical history.
Luka Bloom werd onlangs vijftig. Muziek op zondag maakt
de balans op van een halve eeuw Bloom. ‘My name is Luka’, een persoonlijke
documentaire over de populaire Ierse singer-songwriter. We gaan terug naar
zijn roots en bezoeken mensen en plekken die zijn leven, en de hedendaagse
Ierse muziek in het algemeen, hebben gevormd. 'My Name Is Luka' toont
Luka Bloom, de mensen die hem dierbaar zijn en de rijke natuur en cultuur
van Ierland. Hij mijmert over het verleden, het heden en de toekomst. We
oren hem zingen, en uitleggen waarover zijn songs gaan, want een lied
zonder betekenis is voor hem geen lied. Een hartverwarmende reportage,
de soundtrack van zijn leven? www.canvas.be/muziekopzondag
Luka Bloom: 9th August 2005
Singer Songwriter Luka Bloom. His new album is called 'Innocence' but the song featured on the
programme today was taken from his 'Riverside' album >>
The Man Is Alive
Listen to Part Two of Luka Bloom Interview [23:33]
Interview and Songs: Sunny Sailor Boy (Amsterdam) - Miracle Cure (Innocence) -
Throw Your Arms Around Me (Keeper Of The Flame)
The Equilibrium Radio Show is broadcast on Radio Port Phillip near Melbourne, which goes out
across the Mornington Peninsula and surrounding areas. Laurie West hosts a top
show which presents the great singer-songwriters from the mid 60's to the current day.
The quality music, profiles, live-to-airs and interviews make Laurie's show a must for fans
of singer/songwriting. Each year the Equilibrium Radio Shows feature a regular show opener...
so far they have been George Harrison, Dave Steel, David Crosby and Shane Howard.
This year Luka Bloom will open the 40 regular shows and Marisa Yeaman will
be the opener for the 12 'Home Grown' shows. The last Monday night of each month the
show is called 'Home Grown' and focuses on Australian songwriters...
About the Show:
Join Mick O'Brien on Tuesdays at 9pm for two hours of Irish folk.
Phone in your requests and listen to CD reviews, gig reviews, live interviews,
live music in studio, and outside broadcasts from some of Ireland's biggest stars.
During the past eight years Sin é has become Dublin's most popular Irish music Programme.
A new music series on BBC Alba (BBC Scotland) in January and February 2009 -
2 of the 8 programmes are featuring a performance of Luka Bloom.
Programme 1 (10/01/09)
Programme 2 (17/01/09) ~ Luka Bloom - The City Of Chicago www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbs253LLgso
Programme 3 (24/01/09)
Programme 4 (31/01/09)
Programme 5 (07/02/09)
Programme 6 (14/02/09) ~ Luka Bloom - Thank You For Bringing Me Here www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7pVOu16fWQ
Programme 7 (21/02/09)
Programme 8 (28/02/09)
LUKA BLOOM - An accomplished Irish folk-rock singer
songwriter, who has toured all over the world.
About the Series:
With a blend of voices, styles and instruments from all over the world,
Horo Gheallaidh is a musical experience like no other. Join me, Jo Macmin
to listen to artists from all over the world giving a special, intimate performances
of their songs and tunes at the Horo Gheallaidh ceilidh sessions filmed in Glasgow.
Horo Gheallaidh is an eclectic mix comprising bluegrass, folk, Celtic and world music
of the highest quality. Sit back and embark on a journey from the UK through the
Mediterranean, North Africa, America and Scandinavia as you listen to the bands
and musicians represent their cultural heritage in the way they know best.
This is a unique opportunity to watch world-class artists up close, performing
stripped down versions of their songs live on our sofa in a way you wont
have seen them before.