martindonnellymusic.co.uk

admin — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:23:17 +0000

The Natural History of Ulster

admin — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 15:10:58 +0000

The National Museums Northern Ireland are nearing the completion of a prestigious volume called The Natural History of Ulster which includes a chapter on Ulster poets and their reflections on nature. It includes four fragments from Martin Donnellys songs and has this to say about his work.

‘One writer whose work may compare to that of Patrick Kavanagh ‘s mystic poetry is Martin Donnelly, originally from Co. Antrim. Donnelly’s work stand out from other nature poets in that it is set to music and from other songwriters in that much of it is about the natural world. He writes nature songs which are poetic and discerning,and his Kavanagh-like vision of the world can be felt in the following lines from Longing To Belong Again’.

Worn out by bitter travelling

‘Till my poor heart was sore

I flung myself exhausted

On Dunseveick’s healing shore

On a soft bank by a roadside

I found myself at prayer

Between a violet and a primrose

That grew so careless there

Hermitage Cottage Yurt Gig

admin — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 18:10:32 +0000

Im looking foreward to the Saintfield gig this Friday 29th October. Its close to Halloween but more to the point the celtic Samhain.

No Alibis Gig WIth Tess gallagher

admin — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 18:00:14 +0000

The gig with Tess Gallagher went really well. The poetry and songs worked well together and we were very at home with each other on stage.The audience feedback was extemely positive and David (No Alibis) said it was the most magical evening they’d had there.Praise indeed.

Please have a look at Tess’s poetry. I found her ‘Dear Ghosts’ collection very moving. She coming back in April and we hope to do some more joint performances then.

There also the strong possibility I’ll be involved in a new compilation album with several other Irish singer songwriters. Watch this space.

Gigs at Camphill Communities

admin — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 11:43:18 +0000

I have just returned from the gigs at Pennine and Croft, Camphill Communities, both in West Yorkshire. The sun shone and the cornfields were full of poppies in such profusion as I have never seen before.

Both the concerts went well and the communities could not have been more welcoming and appreciative. It really is a joy to perform in Camphill. My thanks to Liz and Howerd who invited me.

Launch of new album, Rushlight

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 18:31:39 +0000

The new album was launched officially on May 16th with a gig at the Crescent Art’s Centre, Belfast.

The launch went really well,exceeded our expectations. The Crescent Arts Centre Cube is the perfect space for such an intimate concert. The in house pa. and lighting was great and and the staff very helpful and friendly.Thanks all.
The atmosphere during and after the concert was warm and enthusiastic. A success.My thanks to all who attended and made it so special. Martin

Click here to purchase the album online.