Bap tribute EP featured on BBC Radio Ulster23/11/2017 Ralph McLean featured RAVING FOR BAP on his show on BBC Radio Ulster last night, including with an interview with Brian Bell. The EP is already raising funds for Marie Curie, as is the “dry year” 2017 challenge by Bap’s sister Marian Bunton. Listen Again is available till 22 Dec 2017 (From 5 min 20) LINKS: To pre-order 10” vinyl To download To donate (via Raving For Bap) To donate (via Marian’s challenge) From Irish News: Bap Kennedy's sister Marian nears the end of 'dry' year to raise funds for hospice21/11/2017 Where would you start to commemorate a musical genius and raise money for the hospice where he died? Marian Bunton, brother of Bap Kennedy, started by saying no to alcohol. Here, she tells Gail Bell, why she has no intention of falling off the wagon The Raving Beauties who, together with the band Dreaming Spires, release a hospice fundraising EP this week in memory of the late Bap Kennedy. A VERY personal, very 'dry', year-long quest to raise money for Belfast's Marie Curie Hospice is nearing completion for Marian Bunton, who gave up alcohol in January "out of respect and love" for her much-loved brother, the late Belfast singer-songwriter, Bap Kennedy. Martin 'Bap' Kennedy (54) passed away at the hospice on November 1 last year, following a short, bravely fought battled with pancreatic cancer. And, in a two-pronged challenge to range money for the "amazing" hospice where he spent his final days surrounded by his wife and family, the end of Marian's crusade coincides with the beginning of a new one: the release of a new tribute EP to mark the first anniversary of the singer's death. Raving For Bap is being officially released on Friday and is a collaboration between long-time friend Brian Bell of Brighton-based The Raving Beauties and Oxford band The Dreaming Spires, with multi-instrumentalist Joe Bennett handling production duties. The record, which includes five songs from Bap's solo career, as well as his years as frontman for Energy Orchard, is being released on the Farm Music label – although, the collaborators decided at the start that they didn't simply want to do 'straight' covers. "The Raving Beauties and Dreaming Spires had done a couple of gigs together and we became friendly," Brian explains. "Originally, we talked about recording some joint new material, but Bap had been on my mind so much since he passed away, that the idea of a tribute EP came about and all the guys from the band were keen to get involved. "We didn't want to just do 'straight' covers of Bap's original arrangements, so tried to choose songs that would showcase his wonderful song craft and melodic flair, but in a very different way." The tribute EP – all profits from sales will go to the hospice – has been warmly endorsed by Bap's widow, Brenda, who described the resulting sound as "cool, 60s American West Coast" which would have been "loved" by her late husband. Those sentiments have been echoed by Marian who says she will always be grateful to the Marie Curie nurses in Belfast for the "warmth and respect" they showed her brother while in their care. "The dedication of the nurses, doctors and staff can never be repaid," she says. "It's a privilege to join forces to raise funds for Marie Curie with The Raving Beauties and I love their take on Bap's music." Her own, unusual fundraising initiative started on NewYear's Day and – by her own agreement – officially ends at midnight on December 31. That means no glass of wine with Christmas lunch and avoidance of her favourite Friday night tipple – a vodka and diet coke – at every festive get-together. "I won't say it has been an easy challenge, but Bap gave up alcohol for 12 years, so I thought I could at least last without it for 12 months," says the 54 year-old who always enjoyed being "Irish twins" with Bap – for six weeks of each year they were both the same age. "I wanted to do it for him – I hope he would be proud of me – and also to raise funds for the hospice and the amazing care he received there. After he died, I thought, 'What can I do?' and came up with this idea. I set myself an initial target of £2,000, but I have reached more than £2,500 to date and hopefully that will increase before the end of the year." Describing herself as a "moderate" drinker, she says the most difficult part of her self-imposed sobriety was a family party in January – to celebrate her father's 80th birthday. "It was the first family occasion without Bap and I was still grieving – I still am – and did so without the crutch of alcohol. I was also just a few weeks into my challenge, so I would say that event was the most difficult. My mum and dad were delighted, though, because I was able to drive them home." Any unexpected highs? "Losing two and-a-half stone was definitely a bonus and I can honestly say I have never felt fitter. My dad was an athletics coach and we all used to run – I have done two Belfast marathons and one in Dublin – so giving up alcohol has made me think about running again. "The funny thing is, everyone keeps asking me if I'm looking forward to my first drink, but I don't know if I even want one now. Bap didn't want it and didn't need it – he was a fantastic character without it – and I'm starting to feel that maybe I don't need it now either." - By Gail Bell Read on IrishNews.com As reported by Belfast Telegraph. The music of Belfast singer-songwriter Bap Kennedy is being celebrated with a new release in aid of charity. Bap passed away last November aged 54 after a short battle with cancer. The release of Raving For Bap by The Raving Beauties marks the first anniversary of his death. The five-track EP, featuring cover art by Kenny McKendry and sleeve notes from music journalist Stuart Bailie, will be available on limited edition 10in vinyl and on digital download. All profits will go to Belfast's Marie Curie Hospice. The record includes songs from Bap's solo career as well as his years as frontman for Energy Orchard and is being released on the Farm Music label. The project is a collaboration between Brighton-based Belfast expat Brian Bell and Oxford/Sussex band The Dreaming Spires, with multi-instrumentalist Joe Bennett handling production duties. Bap's sister Marian Bunton began fundraising for the Marie Curie Hospice in his memory at the beginning of 2017 by taking on the challenge of abstaining from alcohol for a whole year. Proceeds from Raving For Bap will be added to the £2,000-plus Marian has already collected, and further fundraisers are being planned for the new year. She said: "I will be always grateful to the Marie Curie nurses in Belfast for the warmth and respect they showed my brother whilst in their care. "The dedication of the nurses, doctors and staff can never be repaid. "It's a privilege to join forces to raise funds for Marie Curie with The Raving Beauties and I love their take on Bap's music. "Bap wants his music to live on and Raving For Bap will certainly help do that." The musician's widow Brenda is delighted with the record. "I'd like to say a big thanks to Brian and The Raving Beauties for making this tribute EP and for helping to raise funds for the Marie Curie Hospice," she said. Mr Bell has been working on the tribute for the past year. He explained: "They are all Bap's songs which we tried to reframe in a different way. There is a Sixties vibe and lots of guitar jingling and harmonies, but we hope we stayed faithful to the spirit of the songs and melodies." - Stephanie Bell To order the limited edition 10in vinyl version of 'Raving for Bap' EP go to https://goo.gl/f4cd3r Click here to read on BelfastTelegraph.co.uk Click here to download or listen to Brenda's full interview with Vinny Hurrell, recorded on 30 Oct 2017. Let's Start Again21/3/2017 This is the first update I've posted on my own website since 1 April 2016. So much can happen in a year. There's a great team working hard to help Bap's posthumous album "Reckless Heart" get the kind of recognition it deserves. I want to do my bit as part of that team. And - as Bap kept telling me - I need to start picking up my own creativity as well. Really looking forward to playing with Bap at Townhall Theatre, Westport on 7 May at the Acoustic Yard Festival in Westport, Co Mayo, Ireland The festival runs from 6-8 May & Bap is headlining on Sat night (9pm) 'The Acoustic Yard' singer/songwriter sessions’ initially started up as a monthly event in Matt Molloy's Yard Bar in Westport in February 2014. The main focus was for singer/songwriters to have a platform to perform their own songs and for audiences to listen to original music in a relaxed environment. A key aim was to help to invigorate and stimulate songwriting and to supply an evening of entertainment. Due to the success of this event, the idea of 'The Acoustic Yard Singer/Songwriters Festival' was born and developed into the festival which will take place from Friday 6th - Sunday 8th May 2016, primarily in The Town hall Theatre. ITALY 20167/1/2016 Brenda will be playing as part of Bap Kennedy's band at the Morbegno Auditorium in the beautiful Italian town of Morbegno. ABOUT MORBEGNO Morbegno is situated in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, bordering Switzerland. It is in the Valtellina valley at the side of the Adda river. Date 23 Jan 2016 (More to follow) XMAS OFFER! - 2 for 1 albums28/11/2015 Buy Brenda Kennedy’s BANISH THE BLUE DAYS & get Bap’s Kennedy’s LONELY STREET (featuring Bap’s song Moonlight Kiss from the Christmas movie Serendipity) FREE OF CHARGE (limited time only) ....2 Great Bap Productions for the price of one! Click here to buy November 09th, 201510/11/2015 BAP & BAND: DECEMBER GIG IN BELFAST
Brenda will be performing in the beautiful Duncairn Arts Centre on 4th December with Bap Kennedy as part of his band. She will be playing bass guitar & singing backing vocals. This will be the only chance to catch Bap & band live in Belfast for the rest of the year & tickets are almost sold out already. Ticket link Tune in to dublincityfm.ie this Wednesday to hear Sean Brophy’s excellent radio show Midweek Music Miscellany.
This week Sean will include music from Bap Kennedy as well as from his wife Brenda Kennedy’s solo album (produced by Bap) Tune in from 11:30am (Wed 30 Sep) As the roadies cleared the stage there was a bit of a buzz going around; because this was the first time Northern Irish singer-songwriter Bap Kennedy had played Tyneside since Adam was a lad and it was apparent fans had come in vast numbers just to him.
Alongside friend and brilliant acoustic guitarist Gordon McCallister, Bap not only ‘stole the show’ with a set of songs from his last three albums; but all three went on to sell out at the merch desk. I’ve travelled far and wide to see Kennedy’s occasional concerts; but todays may have been the best yet, with his voice never sounding finer with his banter between songs often hilarious. Plus; he had brought the World Famous Bap Kennedy Line-Dancing Troupe with him too – who expected dancing girls? 26 Jul 2015 Courtesy of Rocking Magpie Great review in for Brenda's album25/7/2015 Brenda's album Banish The Blue Days has received a superlative review from Rocking Magpie
Listen to Banish The Blue Days on Soundcloud Classy and Easy On The Ear Jazzy-Folk . This album was first recorded and released in 2008 but subsequently becoming a part-time band member and full-time wife of Northern Irish singer-songwriter Bap Kennedy, it has lain dormant ever since; which is a damn shame. Brenda Kennedy is an accomplished bass player in her husband’s band and also a purveyor of exquisite harmonies on his recordings; I had no idea she had actually recorded an album of her own. The album opens with some swish Gypsy Jazz fiddle and guitar before Brenda comes in with a sweet, easy going ‘dinner Jazz’ vocal style; reminiscent of Julie London and later there are a few trumpet breaks that come straight out of the Chet Baker play book. Banish The Blue Days is actually quite a deep song played out to a lovely melody; which took me by surprise when I dug a little deeper under the surface than usual. Even on the first play I had a lump in my throat listening to Angel of My Heart. A mother singing to her child as Rod McVey gently plays a piano; is heart rendering especially as the lyrics err on the side of the child ‘not being perfect’ to others; but a Mother’s love knows no boundaries. Brenda’s Irish-Folk Roots show on the Celtic Love song, Macushla. Images of mist swept valleys, ice cold rivers and a maiden being swept off her feet by a returning lover are conjured up as the singer’s voice sounds like a pearl wrapped in velvet. Her voice sounds close to breaking on Drink to Me Only and I’m sure the sad story will touch the hearts of many who listen. Never an album you can dance to; Brenda somehow manages to keep her saddest songs for the tail end; with I’m Sorry being not just a heartbreaker but a tale of making a heart actually crumble at the end of a once loving relationship. Then the pace slightly picks up, as a maudlin accordion and brushed drums accompany Brenda on the lovely finale Moonshine on the Lake, with its echoes of Cara Dillon and Thea Gilmore. While all of the songs have their Roots in Folk Music; this is far from being a Folk album. It manages to straddle several genres including light-Jazz and even a smidgen of Country music here and there, but it’s always a singer-songwriter telling stories; and I heartily recommend this album to anyone with a heart. Rocking Magpie Brenda Kennedy Banish The Blue Days Lonely Street Discs Banish The Blue Days7/7/2015 Brenda's solo album of original songs, ‘Banish the Blue Days’ (produced by Bap Kennedy) is now on Soundcloud. |