Kevin was born in Buncrana, Co Donegal. He came to music through records and radio rather than a handed down tradition. He was though, aware of the power of song - the rapt face of the singer gathered up from the here and now and transported to the romantic heart of the night. In his teens he began playing with a number of successful local bands, as they packed out hotels and halls. Bluegrass, country, folk, rock, blues, jazz, swing and trad all combined on the night. It was here that Kevin learnt to love the ritual of the dance.
In 1991 he was asked to join traditional group 'Four Men and a Dog'. The band was at a formative stage and Kevin was delighted to take up the offer. Countless concert tours followed and six albums were recorded. Two of their records 'Dr As' and 'Long Roads' were recorded in Levon Helm's studio in New York after the band (Four Men and a Dog!) accepted an offer from Levon to come to Woodstock. As he put it himself 'hell it never did Muddy Waters any goddamn harm'. The main facilitator was the excellent producer and musician Aaron Hurwitz. Aaron also produced Kevin's first solo record at Levon's place. That album was 'Strange Weather'. Kevin was joined by fellow 'dog' Gerry O'Connor on the record which also had guest appearances by Levon on drums, and Rick Danko on vocals and bass. At that time Kevin accompanied Rick and Aaron on a number of road trips up and down the eastern seaboard playing club shows, as Rick expounded on the importance of vitamin C in a cold climate, dance nights in Ontario and a detailed description of how Charlie Feathers laced cigarette papers through the strings of his guitar to achieve his trademark rhythmic clatter.
Returning to Ireland Kevin formed one of his most enduring musical friendships with the great James Delaney. They toured together as a duo and then with an expanding line up that included Henry McCullough. They soon went into the studio to record Kevin's second solo album 'Sweetwater'. Kevin has combined 'solo' and 'Dog' work ever since and along with James, Paul Moore, Conor Brady, Des Lacey and Paul Rodden he formed the group 'Telegraph'. The show was devised by Kevin with Alan Farquharson and Eleanor Methven and featured a contiguous assortment of songs and specially commissioned films by Alan, Kieron Walsh and Enda Mc Callion. The album received a 5 star review in the Irish Times - declaring it 'one of the albums of the year'.
A lifetime of observing and absorbing has led to Kevin's latest album... 'Seeing Things'.
Lyrically and melodically he mines a similar seam to the likes of Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, Randy Newman and Van Morrison, with no shortage of poetic soul-searching, introspection and a little social commentary.
Upcoming Tour Dates
No European shows booked at the moment.