LONDON, UK (Top40 Charts/ Loud Child Records) - Irish singer/songwriter Padraig Rushe is a unique talent, who has spent eight years developing his new album, 'GreyWorld. 'Gonna be a change' is destined to be a huge success and is the first single from the long awaited masterpiece!
Having left the Dublin Gospel Choir in January '08, to pursue a solo career, he became the first unsigned Irish artist to earn a place on M.T.V.'S 'Get Seen: The Contenders' in May '08.
This young man's musical pedigree to date is endless. He has worked with a host of big names, from the late James Brown to Liam O'Maonlai of 'Hothouse Flowers' and Damien Rice, which isn't entirely surprising since Padraig possesses a winning personality, a soothing voice and the ability to write music which is so memorable, it embeds itself into your soul!
I hear a similarity in his slower numbers, to the late Luther Van Dross and other renowned soul singers that have carved their names in history!
I attended the launch of the new single Gonna be a change on Friday evening, January 23rd in Crawdaddy. On arrival, I met the man himself. Having had a preview of his album'GreyWorld', I've been listening to the wonderful songs performed so beautifully by Padraig and the choir, who helped out in the making of it.
Thus it was a double whammy to be introduced to the leader of the choir Orla, who told me how committed one has to be, to join the outfit. It wasn't long before I understood why, once some members took to the stage for many of the songs in the night's programme.
'Catcher in the Rye'
The atmosphere was cheerful, with a huge crowd gathering when the band took their places onstage. The lads played a big build up intro for the first song, a funky guitar riff lending to the sound.
Next four members of The Dublin Gospel Choir came out and the rattle of a tambourine was added. A big cheer went up and as choppy, charismatic clapping took things up another notch, the star of the show arrived onstage to huge applause.
Full sound, fantastic backing vocals and the bustling beat of the first number Catcher in the Rye gave the scene a sense of excitement.
This song has a sense of urgency about it, with a delicious chorus that builds up from a 'Hey yeah ' to become a big refrain of 'Rhythm come fly to me home baby'. The choir behind create a big crescendo, one guy in particular possessing a big voice. Live, this song is even better than I could have imagined.
Padraig introduced the band and Choir. He remarked that it took eight years to complete this album and he thanked all who helped him in realising his dream.
Bill Withers medley - Use me up/ Granma's Hands/ No Digiddy (Blackstreet)
This interesting mix involved wonderful keyboards played by Carl Banks, with lots of sweet sound effects and heavenly 'oohs' from the choir.
A short solo and some sweet guitar riffs were performed by Tom Brunkard. middle eight involves a gorgeous refrain,' bring it on, bring it on.' Then in that exciting style he has of taking a number right up to it's peak, Padraig led the choir to a big climax of sound, ending with a sudden stop!
Free Now
Padraig paints a scene of a lovely exotic beach, blue sky and sea. This he says was his inspiration for the words of the next song.
In comes the rhythmic guitar intro, sensual and melodic. Bass very audible here thanks to Mr. Chris Kane, from Boston! Harmony amazing! Tom, the lead guitarist plays rhythm on the acoustic. Hairs stand up on the back of my neck as I listen to the harmony, sung closely behind the crystal clear voice of Padraig!
A rippling piano riff in the middle is perfomed by Carl and then you are taken back to the now familiar and sweet chorus of 'We are free, free, free, we are free now'!
New Shoes
This is a cheerful number with a bassy intro. Fun lyrics and cheeky, it has a catchy melody. All members of the band and Padraig himself seem to really enjoy doing this song.
Fluent vocals, delightful riffs on keyboards, guitars playing in synch and a perfect combination of everything, make it go down extremely well with the audience too.
Old Beginnings
Michelle, a prominent member of the choir is called up onstage. Padraig explains that this number was the first one he wrote for the album.
It has a solemn verse, gradually lifting as you go into the chorus. Harmony by Michelle is sung reverently and never drowns out the lead vocals. Her voice sounds light and sweet against Padraig's deeper male voice. Piano is softly played too. The contrast is very appealing!
Purple Rain - Prince Cover
Huge shouts of approval went up from the audience when this song was introduced. It starts with just Padraig's own acoustic guitar as he sings the wonderful 'Ah', which is clearly known by all present. The mood is magical as dramatic piano comes in.
Harmony is close, as this soothing rendition of the classic is performed. They sing the second chorus in a bigger, more vibrant crescendo. This gradually builds up and the way Padraig lilts and bends his voice is so seductive!
A screaming guitar solo, quite complex is done by Tom Brunkard. A Lovely return to the quiet guitar that took you into the song eases you back to earth again. Quite different from the original version, but absolutely powerful!
GreyWorld
The title track from the album is about chasing a dream and fighting your way to reach your goal. Based on the long road he travelled work wise, time wise and the commitment he had to show, Padraig tells in this song, how the impossible can be made possible, if you care enough!
This song stands out as one of his best! The Choir do a lovely refrain in it and the melody is superb!
Hallelujah - Cover
Done with just an acoustic guitar, this number was performed reverently and you could hear a pin drop, the place went so silent!
The Choir joined in for the chorus and they sounded like angels behind the velvet lead vocals.
The simple guitar notes, the powerful strength of Padraig's emotional and fluent rendition of this popular number, all make it the best version I've ever heard!
Gonna be a changeNew single
The reason we were all there, this wonderful creation of Padraig's would bring a tear to a stone. Its lyrics are melancholy and it has a very pretty melody line.
Hearing it online and on the c.d. in my car, I had learned the words. But there is nothing to compare with seeing it performed live!
I had a lump in my throat, as I sang along with the chorus I love so much. Like the other people in Crawdaddy, I had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Tambourine gives this song a lovely mood, and the choppy tempo provided by the drummer, who is Padraig's brother Karl Rushe is delectable!
Broken Man
After a short interval, the show continued with a sad number which would probably be my least favourite of Padraig's repertoire. It is very moody and soulful, but is performed with emotion. Even the darker songs like this are so well performed, that they merit praise.
Before Padraig returned onstage the band played a good long intro, as at the beginning of the evening. I found this to be a nice touch, like you were getting a taste before the next feast of music.
Bass is perfectly blended with drums and Chris sings the harmony in this one, the wonderful lament pouring out with feeling and little incidental flourishes of lead infused in just the right places, also keep your interest.
What I particularly enjoyed about this gig, was that there were no support acts. This gave the audience a chance to focus entirely on the lengthy but entertaining show.
Trouble
This was one I hadn't heard before. It had a three four beat, which was a welcome change. Lead riffs were excellent, chorus catchy and people were singing along with it for the chorus.
The melody was sweet with the Bassist doing harmony once again. It's an easy going song.
Lord My Lover and Me
The backing singers rejoined the assembly onstage and Padraig thanked all the people of the Dublin Gospel choir, the band and the audience for their devotion and loyalty.
A nice riff intro took you into the moody verse of this number. This is all done in a low monotone. Then suddenly things lift and you are taken into a bursting energetic chorus, with a real spiritual feel to it much like many of the late Elvis Presley's stuff.
I love the dramatic notes and the 'Let it be let it be' sung by the choir. There seems to be a huge explosion of sound and rhythm going on. Like the rest of the songs, seeing it performed live had such a different impact to just listening to them at home!
Rocky took a Lover
Catchy guitar riffs, changes of beat and great lyrics make this very enjoyable. The choir did some wonderful harmony too.
I don't wanna be
This number had a rock sound. Big vibrant intro, keyboards very intricate and the chorus was lively and refreshing!
Peacefully
Padraig explained how he recently became an uncle twice over. He said how this song tells of his long term wish to someday settle down and live out his days peacefully, to a grand old age.
Plucky intro, melody catchy and a laid back beat with a vibrant baseline made this song. So many acts I go to hear live tend to disappoint me after hearing the recorded version. But with young Mr. Rushe and Co. it seemed the opposite applied!
Sleeping Boy
This sad number about the loss of a friend Padraig grew up with, had a big impact on me when I heard it. I could identify with it so much, having recently lost such a friend.
Rippling piano notes, Padraig's magical voice and the audience hanging on every note were all unforgettable components of one remarkable night!
Fisherman's Blue - Waterboys cover
Great choice! The intro to this popular number got an enthusiastic response from the crowd. It lifted the mood back up and everything was cheerful once again. The Bassist took a verse and then sung harmony behind Padraig. It was a nice change and worked well. The lead guitar also did some sweet little riffs.
New House Rising
For me personally, this song is the absolute top of all the numbers on 'GreyWorld'! I call it 'Oh Mary don't you weep' and I felt like I was waiting all night for it. I wasn't disappointed!
It was worth the wait and it was a perfect choice to bring the show to a close. Padraig mentioned that in a lot of ways it was an expression of his Anti-war feelings.
He asked the crowd to give a big cheer for Obama, which no doubt he got! The choppy intro, the fabulously charismatic verse and the amazingly glorious chorus, all go into making this song one that just has to be experienced live to be appreciated!
Hats off to the choir in this one too! Just outstanding!
A lot of clapping and shouting for more brought Padraig and the band back onstage. I wondered how they could better what they had just done. He decided to give the assembly one more performance of the new single 'Gonna be a Change'. The choir consisted of only four members of the D.G.C. but listening to them here, you'd think it was forty. I sang along with the chorus and found myself fighting emotion once again, as I witnessed this perfect piece of music.
The fabulous middle eight slows down with lots of 'Ahs' and a sense of anticipation. Then the beat which is yet again provided by Karl Rushe returns for the faster, livelier last chorus. Padraig reminded everyone how easy it is to download the single using your mobile. But in my opinion, no studio performance could top what I had just experienced. This gorgeous prodigy of a man has the most incredible voice and it proves once again how lucky we are in Ireland, to be surrounded by unsigned artists like this, arriving in our midst in a constant stream! Well done Padraig, the band and members of the Dublin gospel choir!
