Singer songwriter Duffy brings guitar to Navan

Guitar player, singer and songwriter Grainne Duffy is playing the Newgrange Hotel, Navan, on 28th July. She has an intense understanding of the blues and she also brings a great deal of soul to her music. Her voice and her playing are inspired by the wellsprings of Memphis and Chicago, but Grainne also reflects the rich varieties of the Celtic experience. All of this was revealed in a remarkable first album, 'Out of the Dark', proof of a talent that was rising at an impressive rate. She was raised in a family of seven in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. Grainne sang with her sisters in the choir before they broadened their interests into the likes of Aretha Franklin, the Pretenders and the Rolling Stones. Around this time she discovered Fleetwood Mac and the blues playing of Peter Green. But there was also merit in that band's later recordings, as she came to appreciate the voices of Stevie Nicks and Christine McVie. Grainne played an old acoustic guitar for a while, but the strings were hard to hold down and when she borrowed an electric guitar from her brother-in-law, she knew she had found her calling. She became the happy owner of a sunburst Fender Stratocaster and studied the blues power of the three Kings - BB, Albert and Freddie. Every Irish guitarist is aware of the awesome legacy of Rory Gallagher, and Grainne is no exception. She talks eloquently about the passion of his music, style and the tender aspects of his voice and playing. All of this rich experience was brought to her debut album, 'Out Of The Dark'. Her singing had improved dramatically and she wasn't afraid to take on the challenge of a ballad like 'I Would Rather Go Blind'. She was breaking out of herself, learning how to be bold and already people were making comparisons to the legendary Bonnie Raitt. Supported by her musician friends Ronnie O'Flynn and Paul Sherry, she became busy on the festival circuit, growing a fanbase and enjoying the positive feedback from music fans and the Irish media. Things moved up a notch further when she played three shows at Glastonbury festival and also began to tour Europe extensively. The touring continues, and so does the recording of the second album. This time Grainne is working out of studio on a farm in Bangor, County Down. John McCullough, another long-time musician friend, is at the controls and local heroes such as Ronnie Greer are also involved. No doubt it will be another excellent piece of work. Grainne Duffy is loyal to the blues and the blues have returned the love, big style. 'I Know We're Gonna Be Just Fine' is the brand new single taken from Gráinne's forthcoming album which is currently in the final stages of production. This will be the follow up to 'Out Of The Dark' in 2008. Since then Gráinne has become a regular at jazz and blues festivals throughout Europe including three nights at Glastonbury hosting the blues sessions on the Acoustic Stage alongside artists like Joan Baez, Suzanne Vega, Sinead O Connor and Seasick Steve. She was the voice of BBC2's own promotional video which was recorded in the famous Air Studios under the guidance of Sir George Martin. She was also a featured artist on RTE's Other Voices. Tickets for the Newgrange date are €10, available at the door.