The name Brigid Mae Power may be unfamiliar, as well may be many of the songs on her newest album, Songs for You. At least in these iterations. Those already familiar with Ms. Power will need no such prompting, mind, and may just need a pointer towards Songs for You‘s existence.
A quick bio for the novices: Of London Irish stock, Power’s family relocated back home to Kilkenny when she was 11. She produced a ream of self-released EPs between 2010 and 2014, catching the ear of the Irish media, who found her ethereal vocal style possessed a “spiritual resonance.” After meeting Peter Broderick, the US roots singer and multi-instrumentalist, at a gig, he took her to his home studio in Portland, OR, and he produced her international debut, following which a further three albums have appeared, each gathering increasing acclaim. She has since married. But Songs for You has a special extra resonance, in that it is dedicated to the memory of her father.
Anyone attending shows or festivals in the UK over the last 40 years, particularly in London, will be familiar with the name Vince Power, the sometimes controversial figure who opened the Mean Fiddler venue in 1982. With ambition to celebrate both Americana and folk music, particularly Irish, he certainly achieved that. His fiefdom swiftly expanded, as a welter of other clubs opened, and before long his eyes were on the burgeoning festival circuit. In his time he had responsibility for an astonishing roster that included turning around the fortunes of Reading and Leeds, having a say in Glastonbury and setting up his own Phoenix and Hop Farm festivals, amongst many, many others. This included the “chain” of Fleadh festivals worldwide, devoted to a celebration of the Irish in music. Quite a fella, he died in March of this year, remembered to many as the “Godfather of gigs.”
Now his daughter has picked artists that her father held in regard, guaranteeing their ongoing presence on a world stage via his promotions. Largely playing solo, with some bass and drums from Shahzad Ismaily and Ryan Jewell respectively, it makes for both a fitting tribute to her dad and a further introduction to her own haunting vocal style.
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