CATHY JORDAN & FEARGALL MURRAY

But 30 years ago she also met Brendan Graham, renowned songwriter, some of whose songs have toured the world. And from time to time they have collaborated, recording a few songs. She has also worked with Derry pianist Feargal Murray, whom she has known for over twenty years and with whom she has recorded a few demos. Demos that inspired them both to record an album of ten magnificent songs written and composed by B. Graham, Storybook.

Some of these songs are very well known, such as Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears, which opens the album and conveys the pathos of Irish immigrants arriving in New York. A song popularized in particular by Irish singer Tommy Fleming.

But Cathy and Feargal have deliberately chosen to highlight much lesser-known songs to delve into B. Graham's more intimate work. Sleepsong, for example, a lullaby for his 21-year-old daughter, written the night before she left for Australia. Or the heart-rending Crucán na bPáiste, an emotionally powerful song that captures the gloom of a graveyard for unbaptized children. There's sadness again on The Fairhaired Boy, which evokes an emigrant lover. But there's life and laughter in Hardanger Bow.
Cathy and Feargal are joined by a number of guests. Scottish accordionist Phil Cunningham, Annbjørg Lien, Norwegian hardanger fiddle player on several tracks including A Winter Blessing based on an old Scandinavian melody, a sort of tribute to winter. Also present are guitarist Bill Shanley, cellist Neill Martin and many others.
This album offers a glimpse into the evolution of a songwriter's thinking over the course of a lifetime. We witness a combination of forces: the songwriting talent of B. Graham, the lead voice of C. Jordan and the airy piano of F. Murray. It's all about sensitivity, delicacy and harmony.

Half Door Songs - www.cathyjordan.ie