Jimmy Crowley Stephen Leeson

Irish Folk at its Best with Jimmy Crowley & Stephen Leeson. Music lovers are in for a real special magical treat on Friday 3rd of August when two very different but fantastic Irish Folk Singer/Songwriters; Jimmy Crowley and Stephen Leeson come together in a production of “Irish Folk at its Best” for one night only, at The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal, Co. Cork. Before the gig on the night Shane Supple had the pleasure of interviewing these amazing people.


Known as the “Voice of Cork”, legendary singer/songwriter/storyteller Jimmy Crowley has been a central figure in the Irish Folk Scene since the enthusiastic reception of his debut album “The Boys of Fairhill” in 1977. After an extensive tour of the US Jimmy Crowley jetted back to Ireland in early January to release his thirteenth album “Irish Eyes” which breathes an uncommon freshness in classics like Danny Boy, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, Who Put the Overalls in Mrs Murphy’s Chowder and The Isle of Innisfree from the movie “The Quiet Man”, Jimmy has been successfully touring Ireland with the new album receiving a lot of national coverage from RTE Radio.


On this occasion Jimmy has added the jazz chords suffused with caressing French accordion with the keening lap-steel and the Djanjo inspired guitar putting his own unique style to these beautiful almost forgotten songs. A stupendous singer, songwriter, storyteller who’s presence lights up a venue the moment he takes to the stage. With his magical stories which blend effortlessly into his many classic ballads, this well rounded entertainer will brighten up even the gloomiest of days, leaving his audience feel a sense of joy and happiness by the finale of every concert he performs.


Stephen Leeson on the other hand is an extraordinary multi-talented Irish Folk Singer, songwriter, musician who has had a magical journey in his musical career since flying solo. Best known for his unique voice, his impeccable stage presence and his versatility as a musician, Stephen has toured all over the world and played with some of the best and most well renowned singers/musicians in the folk industry. His career has had him front man with bands such as: Porter Black, Dublin Legacy and for four years he played and sang with The Dublin City Ramblers. Having just released his new album “Isle of Hope”, Stephen Leeson is an artist who is receiving great acclamation from some well renowned musicians in the folk industry. According to Irish Folk Legend Davey Arthur, “Stephen Leeson is one of the nicest young men on the Irish Music Scene today and his debut album “Isle of Hope” will in time assure him his rightful place as one of the new crop of talented ballad singers emerging from Ireland today”.

Last year saw Stephen fulfil the role of special guest with Irish Folk Legends “The Furey’s and Davey Arthur” for a number of gigs in front of a packed audience, with another guest appearance with the wonderful Frances Black in December whilst this year sees him with Derek Warfield and The Young Wolfe Tones for July and August in the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney. With such a mature, deep, powerful voice which is instilled with emotion coming from such a young man, it is hard to believe what Stephen has crammed into his musical CV in such a short spam. With an ability to work the stage and captivate his audience, Stephen’s performance leaves an impressionable impact that is not only memorable but special for everyone that has been afforded the opportunity to experience his live shows.

Guaranteed to be a tremendous night of real Irish talent and Irish music at its best, this is a concert that is well worth checking out on a Friday evening. Performance commences at 8pm, Tickets for the event are available from the theatre through their box office on: 024-81823.

Shane Supple interviews Jimmy Crowley and Stephen Leeson Aug 2012 by Shane Supple on Mixcloud