Blues singers join forces for new album

Renowned bluesman, songwriter and harmonica supremo Don Baker has joined forces with the irrepressible Irish blues singer Clara Rose for a CD called Baker Rose which will be officially launched on 11th March at a gig in The Venue Theatre, Ratoath.

There is also a preview album launch at The Stockhouse, Trim, tonight,  9th March and another Meath venue on the six-month nationwide supporting tour is at Beggy’s in Navan on 20th May.

A key guest on the album is noted Irish jazz guitarist Louis Stewart who adds his unique style to the track ‘Lost Lover Blues’.

Baker Rose embarked on an extensive live tour last summer, an experience that was so successful that recording a full album was nigh on inevitable. While the tracks on Baker Rose embrace an eclectic mix of folk, rock, country and jazz, neither Don nor Clara strays far from their blues roots.

Baker-Rose contains 11 tracks and a delicate blend of original tunes by both Baker and Rose as well as a couple of covers. Either singer can take over vocal duties with equal aplomb, but when they share vocals they can take a song to places it’s never been before! Along the way, their lyrical pre-occupations range from love won and lost to religion, politics, drugs, life and death.

The entire Baker Rose album was produced and engineered by Baker who also played slide guitar, electric guitar and acoustic guitar alongside his trademark harmonica.

Rose’s expressive vocals featured on Baker’s 2013 duets album My Songs, My Friends, and her releases include a solo album A Portfolio in 2012, followed by an EP Queen of the Late Night Radio. Baker has an impressive catalogue of albums, and his legendary harmonica-playing has attracted acclaim from artists as varied as Nashville session musician Charlie McCoy and U2's Bono.

The release of Baker Rose will be backed by a six-month nationwide tour that will see the duo play concerts in a variety of venues across the country.