New release by Colm Quearney: Root to the Fruit
By Natalie Herman
In the world of music, there is a man simply known as “Q” - the multi-faceted Quincy Jones. However, the world of Irish music knows its very own “Q” and that is none other than Colm Quearney, former guitarist and songwriter with the late ’90s contenders, Lir, and creator of cult rock act Dragonfly before that.
Q was raised in a musical family and grew up listening to blues and jazz. When he first heard Jimi Hendrix, he switched instruments from bass to lead guitar and was on his way.
A lifetime of music meant learning who he was as an artist. “I learned how to be in a band, how to write songs,” says Q, “and of how hard it was to be in a band, and how much fun it was. . . The interesting thing about being in a band writing songs with other people is that you’re not entirely free because you’re starting to censor yourself. In your head you’re going, ‘well, the guitar player won’t like that riff, or the singer won’t like this song, or the drummer won’t like that rhythm’.”
He launched his first solo album, The World’s Not Round in 2001, and has only moved forward since.
Q’s third studio album (and the first one in 6 years!) Root to the Fruit is now available on CD Baby and iTunes, as well as Road Records if you’re in Ireland. Says Q:
MAKING THIS ALBUM HAS BEEN A GREAT JOURNEY,
I BUILT A STUDIO ON THE NORTH STRAND IN DUBLIN ABOVE THE ANNESLEY HOUSE PUB IN THE SUMMER OF 2004. WITH THE PLAN OF RECORDING SOME DEMOS, SOME ALBUMS AND TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIMENT AND TRY OUT SOME NEW THINGS. THIS IS THE FIRST Q ALBUM FROM THESE RECORDING SESSIONS AND THERE WILL BE PLENTY MORE TO COME. I HOPE YOU ENJOY LISTENING TO IT AS MUCH AS I ENJOYED MAKING IT.
Samples from Root to the Fruit can be heard at MySpace.
Cover photography by our friend Bob Dixon.
EDITED TO ADD: Q plays as special guest to New Jersey bluesman Chaz De Paolo at The Crane Bar, Galway, on Thursday, April 29 at 9.30pm. Thanks, Kevin, for the heads-up!
Natalie Herman provides content for Paddy-Whacked Radio™ News
Copyright © 2010 Natalie Herman and Paddy-Whacked Radio™