Our Songs & Singing class is run by J Eoin, a contemporary songwriter with a stunning voice. Here he tells us about his work with the Irish Cultural Centre and his own musical experiences and inspirations.
Why not listen to the title track from his latest album 'Acrobat', as you read the interview.
What is your own background?
I toured in Ireland in
the early 80’s with bands such as Clannad and Scullion. Moving to London in the
early 90’s gave me the opportunity to branch out as a solo act and explore the
different musical directions such a city has to offer. Over the years I have
been involved in the many incarnations of the London Acoustic Scene and played
a range of styles from Irish Traditional Folk to American Bluegrass.
When did you become involved with the ICC?
A musician friend of
mine, Rory Campbell, originally ran the Singing Class. He would often call me
in to deputize a class or two for him and I began to build a repertoire of
songs that covered elements of the Tradition as well as some contemporary songs
that became popular with the students. When Rory decided to relocate his family
to France in 2004, the centre offered his position to me.
When were ‘the best times’ at the ICC?
The ‘early years’
always stand out in our minds and I have fond memories of finding my feet as
part of the Adult Education team from 2004 on. After a couple of years I
decided to involve the singing group in some fundraising activities that would
give them something to aim for at the end of the winter term and would also
help advertise the activities of the centre and their impact in aiding the
local community. Subsequently, the singing class has performed at Hammersmith
Underground station over the last 8 years for a number of local and national
charities. This year the Haven Cancer Support in Chelsea was our chosen
beneficiary.
Do you think it’s a good or a bad thing that the ICC will be
‘re-starting’ with a new building? Will there be any challenges? What are you
most looking forward to?
The original building was
built for a specific purpose and served that function admirably over the years.
As the centre developed and expanded into the Irish Cultural Centre it became
clear that there were other functions that such a centre needed to address. The
new model proposed fulfils this greater function and also guarantees the
permanence of the ICC.
What facilities would you most like to see in the new
building?
When I saw the original
plans I was very impressed with the new layout. The inclusion of the new stage
and performance area will be a much needed addition to the London music
landscape as there has been a huge loss of small venues over the last few
years. These spaces are the lifeblood of the music scene and allow up and
coming acts to build a following before moving on to the bigger stages.
The classrooms are
also to be given a hi tech makeover which will allow for greater
teacher/student interaction. It will be great to use all the tools at our
disposal to make the education programme more interesting and interactive for
those involved.
Looking forward to the
café/bar idea also as a space like this has potential for exhibiting local
artists and may work as an acoustic space for smaller events such as the weekly
Irish session we used to have.
So, what should new students expect from your class?
As the ‘Irish Songs
And Singing Class’ we cover songs from the Irish Tradition and look at
contemporary songs that have become part of the Tradition. Irish singers such
as Christy Moore and Paul Brady have created a whole new diversity for the
Irish Song catalogue. We’ve also considered songs from the Scottish Tradition
and the American Folk Songbook as there is a lot of cross-cultural influence
that has developed over the years through the likes of Euan McColl and Pete
Seeger.
The focus of the class
has always been to allow people to find their own voices in a group setting.
Techniques such as diction, tone and vocal projection are taught alongside
exercises to develop an awareness of basic harmony. We have covered everything
from solo recitals to 3-part harmony singing over the years.
Have you ever taught anyone who has gone on to become a
professional singer?
Not directly! Many of
my past students have gone on to sing at events such as weddings and parties
for their friends and families. For some
people this has been a huge step forward as they never had the confidence to do
this before. They have acknowledged to me that the class provided a ‘safe
space’ for them to develop at their own pace and the encouragement and friendly
nature of the group was paramount in allowing them to express themselves so.
Who are your own favourite bands or musicians? Do you think
it’s important for professional vocalists to have an interest in various types
of music?
I’ve always been a fan of the ‘great singers’ like Sinatra
and the like. One of my earliest memories is of my father and mother harmonizing
to Doris Day songs in the kitchen. I also admire the way singers like Christy Moore
have created an ‘Irish Voice’ that has become an international standard. Moya Brennan has one of the purest voices to come out of the Tradition
and her pitching and diction is almost flawless. An inspiration to anyone who
sings.
What other projects / work are you engaged in at the moment?
As a contemporary
songwriter I released a new album ‘Acrobat’ in 2012. Produced by Gerry Diver,
it is a sideways look at London through the eyes of a long-term exile. I toured
it in the Czech Republic during the summer and it’s enjoyed regular airplay on
national Czech radio.
I also work in a
number of other musical projects including a Traditional Irish duo with
flautist Jacquelyn Hynes and the Irish/Jazz crossover band ‘Clann na Mara’ that
play regularly in Europe.
One of the great things
about the Irish Songs and Singing class is the friendships that have built up
between individuals over the years and the sense of camaraderie that is shared
by everyone who has been through the programme.
For me it is always a
wonderful and very special moment when I see a new group simultaneously realise
what they can achieve the first time they hear themselves singing in harmony.
