In conversation with Eleanor McEvoy

John caught up with the wonderful and ever busy Eleanor McEvoy last week. Eleanor heads off to perform a list of shows in The USA The shows are listed below...

Tuesday, September 10 Williamstown Barn ConcertWilliamstown, MA

Thursday, September 12 Irish Arts Center553 West 51 StreetNew York, NY

Sunday, September 15 The Burren247 Elm StreetSomerville, MA

But before then you can catch her in The Olympia Dublin with her "Womans Heart" legion of female singer songwriters. Wed 28th to the 31st of August. For all tour dates however, you can check out her webpage: http://www.eleanormcevoy.com/tour/ 

1. When and why did you start playing?
I started playing piano at the age of 3....... because it was there I guess. Playing is as natural as breathing to me, it's unthinkable that I wouldn't play.

2. Which instruments do you play?
On stage mainly Fender Telecaster electric guitar, acoustic guitar, piano and violin. (sometimes I also bring a bass, mandolin or ukelele). I'm also the worlds worst alto saxaphone player!

3. What was the first tune(s) you learned?
"Mama, We're All Crazee Now" by Slade. In Irish. For Slogadh. (Yes, really.)

4. Which other famous musicians do you admire? Why?
I love Bruce Springsteen because he has kept it about the music. It's not about pyrotechnics, costume changes or any other gimmicks, he just comes out on stage in jeans and a t shirt, straps on his guitar counts in his stunning band and off he goes.

5. Which famous musicians have you learned from?
Christy Moore, who after Planxty and Moving Hearts emerged as this utterly inspiring solo act, also Paul Brady, for his powerful and varied songwriting. Both have given me wonderful advice over the years.

6. Describe your first instrument.
A fairly old upright piano that sat in our living room. The 'B' above middle C was a bit wonky. It's mildly affected my perception of that note my whole life.

7. What are your fondest musical memories?
I used to love playing and singing with my brother Kieran and my sister Marion. A few years ago when my mother was very ill in hospital, we used to go in and play there and it was great to be playing and singing again with them. It brought back so many memories.

8. Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which
Ones?
Yes, my sister was into Simon and Garfunkle, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell and my brother was into Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, my Dad was into Mahler, so I had a curious mix of influences. My grandmother's gramophone was in my bedroom and there was an interesting collection of records to accompany it. Sometimes I'd wind it up and blast out "Isle of Capri" on an old 78.

9. Who are your favorite musicians? Groups? CD's?
As regards Irish musicians, I think that the late Rory Gallagher was really something special. I'm also a big fan of Irish singer songwriter 'Mundy' but in general, I am constantly blown away by the talent I see in this country.

10. How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
When I perform, I try to capture some magic in the room, auditorium or club. It depends on a lot of things, the sound quality, my own state of mind, most of all the energy and personality of the audience. Mistakes really don't come into it.

11. What advice would you give to up and coming artists?
I'd tell them to try and keep it about the music.

12. How often and for how long do you practice?
It really depends. On the road I try and do an hour or so after the soundcheck. In an ideal world I would do a couple of hours a day.

13. You have a quite hectic career schedule. How do you
balance your music with other obligations - mate, children alone time?
It's all a bit of a juggling act  to be honest and in truth, sometimes I drop one of the balls. I just try and make sure that the ball I drop is never the child......

14. You have over 10 albums now recorded, will you continue
making new albums or will you take a break. Its 21 years now with A Womans
Heart. And the shows are still selling as strong as ever. Where do you see
yourself in 5 years?
Take a break? I'm consumed with ideas! Why would I take a break? I'd like to still be touring, collaborating with interesting singers and musicians. I'd also like to write for film and theatre. I also love the medium of radio, so would like to explore that avenue at some point.

Thank you for your time Eleanor.
John
Pleasure!