Bap Kennedy - Howl On

  by Malcolm Carter

published: 23 / 7 / 2009

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Not wishing to go against the grain here but although the only non-original song on Belfast-boy Kennedy’s latest album, a cover of ‘Hey Joe’, is getting all the attention and praise I have to say that despite a different take on the song it’s the least appealing track on ‘Howl On’. ‘Hey Joe’ for all the versions already out there is best known for the version by Jimi Hendrix who, to be honest, cut the definitive version of the song. While the connection back to the Hendrix version is facinating ; Henry McCullough the only Irishman to play at Woodstock plays guitar on Kennedy’s version, Hendrix played said song at that festival. It fits in nicely with the theme of this album ; Kennedy’s childhood memories of the sixties and seventies, but with eleven original songs as strong as those that Kennedy has composed for ‘Howl On’ a cover version of ‘Hey Joe’ no matter how inspired just proves how talented a songwriter Kennedy is. It has to be said then; ‘Hey Joe’ given a country make-over is maybe appealing on the first listen but the novelty soon fades in spite of the excellent guitar playing by McCullough. Much more rewarding are the songs Kennedy has composed and produced here. Released on his own Lonely Street record label the former Energy Orchard main-man proves once again on his sixth solo album since leaving that band just why he gained the attention and support of Van Morrison and Steve Earle to name just two of the major artists who have been touched by his music. It seems unlikely that any music lover will not have heard of Kennedy at some point as he has had a long and varied musical career but much like his brother, Brian, there are probably some people who have yet to actually hear the man’s music. For those who know of Kennedy it’s safe to say that ‘Howl On’ contains some of his best work to date. If you enjoyed any of his previous solo albums or, indeed, his work with Energy Orchard then you will not be disappointed and will know what to expect. For those yet to have the pleasure of hearing Kennedy then imagine an Irish Steve Earle and you’ll have the main picture, especially for this album. There’s obviously a strong country influence spread thickly over all these songs, not just the ‘Hey Joe’ cover and in the title song, ‘Howl On’ Kennedy has written one of his most beautiful melodies ever and the song is given extra texture, as are others on the album, by the pedal steel supplied by Percy Robinson. Kennedy’s wife, Brenda, a recording artist in her own right, provides backing vocals on many of the songs but never as beautifully as she does on the title track. It really is an outstanding song and all those involved pour their souls into the recording. Kennedy, like many of his generation, was fascinated by America as a young child and this album was inspired by the events taking place there during this period. The opening song, ‘America’, captures the feelings felt by a young Kennedy perfectly and if the title song wasn’t so damn perfect then this opening song would have been the highlight of the album. Titles like, ‘Ballad Of Neil Armstrong’ and ‘Cold War Country Blues’ give a strong indication as to where Kennedy’s mind was when he wrote these songs and it’s refreshing to hear such heart-felt emotions wrapped in warm, comfortable country tunes, it’s been far too long since we have heard a whole album which was inspired by the thoughts of a child captured by the fascinating images coming through his television and wishing he could be part of that far-off land. This is an extremely strong set of songs from one of Ireland’s most respected and talented artists and comes highly recommended.

Track Listing:-

1 America
2 Cold War Country Blues
3 The Right Stuff
4 Irish Moon
5 The Blue One
6 Hey Joe
7 Howl On
8 One of Those Days
9 Brave Captain
10 The Heart of Universal Love
11 Last Adventure
12 Ballad of Neil Armstrong

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