Description
“A working class poet from British Columbia with a knack for straightforward language held aloft by a sweet gift of melody … ” — Boulevard Magazine
He is a songwriter with deep roots and broad horizons. An English-born child of Irish immigrants now living in British Columbia, he cut his teeth on Irish music. A natural story teller, Paul O’Brien has developed an eclectic folk style that is broadly appealing and not easily categorized.
His second studio album from Stockfisch records is an album of Canadian classics plus a brand new song written by O’Brien. On this album Paul is joined (among others) by master Canadian guitar player and composer Don Ross. On the album there are songs written by Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchel, Neil Young, and Leonard Cohen to name but a few.
O’Brien says about this recording: “This collection of songs is the audio equivalent of the ‘big kid in the candy store.’ To be able to choose my favorite songs written by Canadian writers was one of the most enjoyable experiences I as a singer could have. On the other hand however, it was the most frustrating because there were so many songs I could have, and perhaps should have chosen. I have a feeling this will be but Volume 1 of a long labor of love.
“All of these songs have in some way touched me more than the fact they are amazing pieces of art. It was not simply cherry picking (although when I look now at the track list it looks just like cherry picking). I have taken a few artistic liberties with these tunes, and I truly hope I do not offend anyone, but it seemed to me that I had to try at least to add a little of me to the performances.”
