Ken Cotter's Blog

Ken Cotter & Mark Slade at The Roundy - Friday 30th September 2011

2011-09-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

This is a FREE gig not to be missed.

Ken Cotter and Mark Slade will perform new songs from Ken’s forthcoming album ‘Anatomy of a Goddess’ in the Roundy on Friday 30th September. These songs are contemporary, but each one has been shone through the prism of one of the world’s great pieces of literature, James Joyce’s Ulysses.

This guitar/ piano/ vocal duo knit new folk, indie songs with piano rooted in the Classical genre. The sound lends itself perfectly to exploring the universal themes of Ulysses.

Each song is introduced with an apt reading from the book, ensuring that the marriage between 1904 and 2011 will be a happy one!!

Ken and Mark first collaborated on Ken’s album ‘Agent Orange’ in 2005. Since then they have been the backbone of Cork’s annual Bloomsday commemorations every June.

In September 2011, they were one of the first acts ever to play on Cork Harbour’s Spike Island. Their work on the new album ‘Anatomy’ sees their collaboration progress even further, including a co-written short classical piece based on one of the chapters of Ulysses!

www.kencotter.com

New date for LIVE ON SPIKE 2011 – Saturday 3rd September

2011-08-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

Live On Spike 2011 – Saturday 3rd September

Tickets are now on sale for LIVE ON SPIKE, but they are LIMITED, so book early to avoid disappointment. They are available from the following outlets in Cobh and Cork City, and online @ tickets.ie

The Kiosk on Kennedy Pier, Cobh

The Heritage Centre, Cobh

Daves Coffee Shop, Cobh

Union Chandlery, Penrose Quay, Cork

Tickets, including the ferry from Cobh, are €10 per adult, €5 per child. Family tickets are available for €25. (a small fee applies to online bookings)

Boats leave Cobh at 11AM sharp and return at 6PM. Everyone is encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy the chilled-out, family-friendly vibe.

This is the first ever music event on the former prison island of Spike in the middle of glorious Cork Harbour. This event is a great opportunity for the public to get a rare glimpse of this unique setting, while enjoying some of Corks best music talent.

Headlining the event are Cork’s favourite music sons, The Frank and Walters. Singer-songwriter/ piano combo Ken Cotter & Mark Slade, fresh Indie rockers Dead School, and Cobh chanteuse Cookie are also confirmed on the bill. Joining them on the programme will be singer-songwriter Aine Whelan and Cobh guitar outfit, The Empire Lights.

The event will be MCed by Red FMs Dave Mac.

www.spikeislandcork.ie

Live on Spike 2011 - August 7th Cancelled - New date TBC

2011-07-30T07:35:00.001-07:00

I'm afraid Live On Spike has fallen victim to the Irish 'Summer' and has had to be re-scheduled for early September. The weather forecast for Sunday is for heavy rain and we don't want to take a chance on it being uncomfortable for everybody. All the performers are onboard & the new date will be finalised early next week.

Any tickets that have already been bought will be valid for the new date. Apologies for any inconvenience & please spread the word. Thanks a million,Ken.

Bloomsday in Cork 2011

2011-06-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

For the third year in a row, Bloomsday will be celebrated in Cork with a special evening of music and readings in the Sextant Bar, Albert Quay. Last years event proved to be even more enjoyable than the previous year, with more readers, more singers and more people getting involved than before.

This year, Ken Cotter will again lead the charge ably abetted by Mark Slade on piano with contributions from the four-part vocal group The Eden Singers. Everyone is welcome to take part, whether by reading their favourite paragraph from Ulysses, or singing one of the many songs featured in the book.

The Sextant will provide wine and food, so be sure to come early.

See www.kencotter.com for more information and pictures from the last two year’s events.

What: Bloomsday in Cork 2011 with performances from Ken Cotter, Mark Slade and the Eden Singers. Audience members are encouraged to get involved with readings, songs, poems or anything Ulysses related

Where: The Sextant Bar, Albert Quay, Cork

When: Thursday 16^th June 2011 @ 6 PM

You Tube videos, Dublin Odyssey & new pics

2010-10-28T04:43:00.000-07:00

I’m delighted to say that 4 new videos are available to watch on my YouTube channel.

Despite the best efforts of software incompatibility and computer gremlins, these performances finally tip-toed through the cyber minefield and are there for your perusal. I hope you enjoy them. 2 of the songs will feature on my new Ulysses-related album, ‘Anatomy Of A Goddess’. One is the little-heard ‘We Danced All Morning Long’, and there is also a version of one of my favourite cover’s, ‘Street Spirit’ by Radiohead. All four videos were shot at the 2009 Sherkin Shindig.

Speaking of the new album, I decided to get my head back into gear and get the creative juices flowing again by visiting the scene of the crime, so to speak! ie. Dublin. Trying not to look too much like a tourist in my own country, I wandered all over Dublin City in the footsteps of Bloom and Dedalus et al visiting Holles Street, Denzille Lane, Westland Row, Pearse Street (Brunswick Street in Ulysses), Little Britain Street & Little Green Street where I ascended into heaven like shot off a shovel! I was also spotted on Ormond Quay and Merchants Arch before crossing the river again to O Connell Street and Eccles Street. I also had a lovely time in Sweny’s Dispensary on Lincoln Place, which has been taken over by Joyce fans and is run voluntarily. There can be no more authentic Joycean treasure on the planet with its unspoiled interior and exterior. It as close as walking onto the set of Ulysses as is possible without the aid of a DeLorean! They have daily lunchtime readings there and a course on Thursday nights. It really is worth a visit if you’re in Dublin. Of course the obligatory purchase of a bar of Lemon soap must be made. Pay them a virtual visit @ www.sweny.ie

It was great to brush up my geography of the city and I can’t wait to get back up to Dublin soon and continue wandering around. However, might I suggest the import of some more potable stout to the city- Murphy’s or Beamish perhaps? My poor lily-livered southern constitution is not up to the task of processing the Guinness, and I was a shadow of my former self as I hit for the M7 yesterday. Must start those Sandow's exercises again! The picture above, by the way, is the cover of Sandow's, 'Strength and How to Obtain It'- a book that features in Ulysses. Ironically, regarding the comment above about Guinness, Sandow is said to have lifted a horse in the yard of Ladyswell Brewery, the home of Murphy's. The image was used until recently as one of Murphy's Stout's logo's.

The ‘Releasing Spike’ project has proved to be a great success and there are definite plans to perform the songs that were written by the young people of Cobh in a special gig in The Sirius Arts Centre on Saturday evening, the 13^th November at 7pm. Ashley, Paul , Mark and myself will provide the backing band on the night. More about ‘Releasing Spike’ soon.

Finally, there are some new photos added to my website, www.kencotter.com, including some from Bloomsday 2009 & 2010, Newfoundland 2005, and some that were sent to me recently taken at a gig in Exeter when I was promoting ‘Blue Letter Day’ in the late 90’s!

Releasing Spike Press Release, October 2010

2010-10-28T04:34:00.000-07:00

Photo caption: ‘Releasing Spike’ participants from Cobh with musicians Mark Slade, Ashley Keating, Paul Linehan and Ken Cotter.

Funded by Cork County Council and The Arts Council

Spike Island was recently transferred to Cork County Council and the process of developing ideas to bring the heritage of Spike into the public consciousness and to harness the island’s tourist potential is well under way. One of the first initiatives to get off the ground is the ‘Releasing Spike’ songwriting workshop. The first phase of this music project happened last weekend and involved young people from Cobh visiting Spike Island, and exploring the heritage of the island through the medium of contemporary song writing.

The teenagers, all members of the youth organisation ‘Cobh Youth Services,’ were taken on a tour of the island by musician Ken Cotter. The history of the fort left a lasting impression on them. Ken said, ‘I think the visit to the disused prison cells was especially poignant for the young people as was the islands history of incarceration and deportation during the 19^th century. These were the themes we saw coming through in the lyrics of their songs.’

Ashley Keating and Paul Linehan from the legendary Cork indie band, The Frank And Walters were particularly impressed with the enthusiasm shown by the young people and the speed with which they wrote their songs. ‘We thought we might have one or two songs by the end of the weekend’, said Ashley, ‘but we had achieved that goal by the middle of the first afternoon!’ Paul added, ‘the speed and lack of inhibition shown by the kids was refreshing- in the end I think we learned more from them than they did from us!’ The other artist involved, pianist and music director, Mark Slade agreed. ‘These youngsters could really teach us a thing or two about our trade. They write from the heart and the sky is the limit for their dreams.’

‘Releasing Spike’ is being funded by Cork County Council and The Arts Council and is being supported by Cobh Youth Services and the Irish Naval Service.

The project enters the second phase next weekend and the participants will find themselves in front of the mic recording their songs. Sinead Morgan from Cobh Youth Services said, ‘everyone has been thrilled with this project and we can’t wait to hear the finished songs. The musicians and young people are already hatching plans for a public performance…’

You better believe it! Watch this space.

Hasty September blog & another Sherkin gig

2010-09-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

I’m putting this blog together hastily as things are getting quite busy this month and a blog is well overdue!!. As some of you may know I was back down in Sherkin on the weekend of the 28th & 29th August for another couple of nights of music. This time I was joined by John Simpson only, as Norman had just celebrated his birthday on the Thursday and was ‘tired and emotional’ due to the proceedings!! We had a couple of very enjoyable gigs and the audience included a few repeat offenders from the sessions in July!

Funnily enough I’m heading back down to Sherkin for a very special gig this weekend. I was asked to open up for Mick Flannery who is headlining a gig in the Islanders rest on Saturday 11th. I didn’t need to be asked twice. Mick is an old music friend of mine. We slaved together in the bars and theatres of St John’s, Newfoundland in 2005 when myself and Moray Bresnihan organised a songwriters exchange which saw 13 songwriters fly over the Atlantic and back between Cork and St Johns. Mick’s career has been on a steady upward curve ever since and it will be a pleasure to share a stage with him again. I’ll be joined by the extraordinary pianist Mark Slade. Myself and Mark have been working hard on arranging some of my new songs for the forthcoming ‘Anatomy’ album. I’m very excited to be giving these Ulysses-based songs an airing on Sherkin. Mark and myself performed these songs on 31st August in the Aula Maxima, University Colleg Cork, and I think they're coming along nicely.

Finally a heads up on a music project on Spike Island that I am organising in October. I’ll write a more detailed blog on this soon, but suffice to say for now, it involves a songwriting workshop for young people in Cobh and I will be joined in this endeavour by the aforementioned Mark Slade, as well as Ashley Keating and Paul Linehan from The Frank And Walters. More about this anon…

Finally , finally, I also have good photo’s from the Bloomsday gig in June which I will post on the website soon.

Think that’s it…
All the best for now,
Maybe see y’all on Saturday for the Mick Flannery gig….

Sherkin Island Gigs - July 2010

2010-07-17T02:46:00.001-07:00

As many of you will know, Sherkin Island is a place very dear to my heart and I'm delighted to announce a weekend of gigs on the island. I'll be performing in the Islanders Rest on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th July. Those of you who know Sherkin will realise that there's a very good chance that these gigs will spill out into sessions at all hours of the day and night especially if Norman King and John Simpson can be persuaded to lend a hand. I'll be playing a wide range of material from Blue Letter Day and Agent Orange as well as some songs from the album I'm working on now (working title, Anatomy of a Goddess). I'll also be revisiting songs on which I cut my teeth all those years ago as a fresh faced garsun in the various dens of iniquity in West Cork. Songs from Tony Small, Kieran Halpin, Jimmy MacCarthy, Paul Brady, Lynyrd Skynyrd, JJ Cale , John D Loudermilk to name a few.

I'm really looking forward to this weekend of music and goodtimes- should be a goodun! Hopefully see you there.

Bloomsday @ The Sextant Bar, Cork 2010

2010-05-11T03:20:00.000-07:00

Bloomsday in Cork
@ The Sextant Bar, Albert Quay, Cork
16th June 2010 7pm
Admission is free
Bloomsday in Cork? Certainly! Although not even the cheekiest Corkman could ‘claim’ Ulysses for the rebel city, he would point out that Joyce’s father was born on Anglesea Street and that Cork play’s a significant role in Joyce’s Magnum Opus. Whether it’s the soft Cork brogue of Simon Dedalus’ singing voice noted by Bloom in the Sirens chapter, or the ramblings of a drunken sailor from ‘Queenstown’ in the Eumaeus episode, the Cork accent is present throughout the novel.

With pedigree like that and with a highly successful event last June already under the belt, it’s no wonder Bloomsday will be celebrated once again on Leeside.

Ken Cotter will sing original self-penned songs based on the novel. These songs are currently being recorded for Ken’s forthcoming album ‘Anatomy’ slated for release later this year. The Eden Singers will perform classic songs that feature in the book from ‘Love’s Old Sweet Song’ to ‘Martha’ to ‘My Girl’s A Yorkshire Girl’. Actor Gavin O Connor will read some of Ulysses’ most famous passages. Most importantly, contributions will be welcomed by anyone who shares the love of this great novel. Join them as they sweep you through a musical tribute to Ulysses with songs and readings galore.
The Sextant Bar will host this unique event in their brand new beer garden overlooking the river, resplendent with full size bandstand. Complimentary food (innards of beasts and fouls!!) and wine will accompany the performances, so get there early to enjoy the fare.

Biographies

Ken Cotter

Ken Cotter is an Irish singer & songwriter based in Cork, Ireland. He is noted for his strong voice, captivating melodies and astute lyrical composition. His live performances are steered by a confident guitar and a well-honed stage craft.

2010 sees Ken celebrate 21 years of playing original material- original being the operative word. You won't find stained faux-Dylanesque tones here, or lyrics dripping in a pastiche American landscape. Ken's charm is that he manages to stay loyal to his own place, it's accent and it's rhythm, while still sounding contemporary and new. He has managed to straddle his Irish folk and songwriting heritage with a distinct indie heartbeat. He is of his place, but also, as importantly, of his time.

This confidence in himself and the place that shaped him probably comes from a music career that has seen him spend years on the road, touring Ireland, the UK, Europe, Singapore, Australia, the US and Newfoundland.

http://www.kencotter.com/
www.myspace.com/kencotter
www.facebook.com/kencottermusic

The Eden Singers

The Eden Singers were formed in July 2009 under their musical director Mr Mark Slade. They perform choral works from the 15th century up to the modern day. The group were recently placed first in The Marchant Cup (Vocal Duos, Trios & Quartets) as part of the 2010 ESB Feis Ceoil, Dublin.
The Eden Singers' first season (Winter 2009) was a busy one, and included a performance with the RTE VanBrugh Quartet, Christmas Concerts in Fota House, a performance of Handel's Messiah as well as various other concerts & carol services in and around Cork city & county.
2010 will see them extend their repertoire, which will include music from the Westend Shows and new, previously unheard material.
http://www.edensingers.com/

Gavin O Connor

Gavin O'Connor is an exceptionally talented and versatile actor. He is originally from Cork City, Ireland and trained at Trinity College Dublin's Beckett Center. He is best known for his roles in films such as 'Dorothy Mills' (2008), 'Eden' (2008), 'The Front Line' (2006), 'Headrush' (2004) and 'This is my Father' (1998). Recently he caught the eye as the Earl of Shrewsbury playing alongside Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the third series of Michael Hirst's hit television series The Tudors.

Musicians visit Spike Island in Cork Harbour

2010-05-11T02:20:00.000-07:00

Pictured left to right: Ashley Keating, Mary O Dea, Brian Garvey, Joe Kelly, Stevie G, Ken Cotter, Don O Mahony, Kieran Hurley, Tom O Neill, Freddie White, Aoife Looney, Cormac Gebruers, Pat Conway, Ian McDonagh, Sophie Johnston, John Spillane, Adrian Gebruers and Angela Dorgan.

Recently I was asked by Cork County Council to bring some musicians and people who work in the music industry to Spike Island in Cork Harbour to offer their input as to how Spike could best serve the harbour side community as a facility or tourist destination.
We went across on Tuesday 4th May and were shown around Spike by Tom O Neill. Some great ideas came out of the meeting that followed and we submitted these to the Steering Group responsible for getting the Spike project off the ground.
Spike is a really exciting prospect and it was great to have the opportunity to get some ideas from the perspective of musicians directly to the policy makers!

The official press release is below.

By the way, Stevie G was one of the visitors and he has some great photos on his blog. Check it out here
http://steviegblog.blogspot.com/

Press Release 5th May 2010

Cork Musician’s Detained on Spike Island

Last July 2009, the Government agreed to transfer Spike Island from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to Cork County Council. This provides a great opportunity to develop the tourism and heritage potential of the Island. The Spike Island Steering Committee has been mandated by the County Manager to progress the short and long term development of Spike Island.

As part of that process a series of working groups have been organised to visit the island and generate ideas on how to unlock Spike’s potential. Yesterday (4th May), people involved in the music industry in Cork got their chance to visit the island and share their ideas. Prominent musians including John Spillane, Freddie White and Ashley Keating were joined by radio DJs, local venue promoters and arts representatives.

Cork singer song-writer Ken Cotter, who helped to organise the group, said that the feedback included ideas from large concerts, to boutique style festivals, workshops and a music retreat. Stevie G from Red FM comended the visit saying ‘ to say the potential of the island for Cork is immense would be a major understatement.’ Tom O’ Neill from the Irish Prison Service, Denis Deasy from Cork County Council were also on hand to provide information and to take feedback on board.
All interested parties can have their say regarding the development of Spike Island by visiting http://www.spikeislandcork.com/

Sherkin Shindig, 2009

2010-02-02T08:45:00.000-08:00

Now in it's third year, the Sherkin Shindig was once again a very special three-day festival of music and goodtimes. As always the island unleashed a thousand welcomes to one and all. Thanks to Norman King, John Simpson & Mark Murphy for their organisation skills and for having me along for the ride!!
There were also performances by John Spillane, Jimmy Crowley, Eoin Duignan, Tony Small and many more. Hopefully see you all next year.

Bloomsday 16th June 2009 @ The Sextant, Albert Quay

2010-01-29T09:04:00.000-08:00

It's funny what comes out of having a pint with a friend. As has been known to happen when myself and Moray Bresnihan get together for a jar, something special was born. The idea to hold a Bloomsday celebration in Cork on June 16th to celebrate Irish literarature's most famous day was hatched, and with wine (freebie), food (again freebie-thanks Johnny) and a couple of sopranos (not the New Jersey kind!!) on board , how could we fail?
There was a very decent turn out for the gig, considering it was on a Tuesday night, and over 40 hardy souls crammed into the beergarden in the Sextant pretending it was summer. Like the novel itself, rain threatened, but in our case it never fell.
Colbert Kearney, Professor of English in UCC, gave us a unique insight into aspects of Ulysses, and a whole host of people shared their love of the book.
I performed my four Ulysses-based songs (which are going to form the basis of my next album) and all-in-all a great old time was had by all. It never fails to surprise me how many people are inspired by that book. A glass or two of Claret was raise to the great man, James Joyce. See y'all next year.

See www.kencotter.com/pages/gallery_08_bloomsday09.htm for piccies

Last Singapore gig... for a while anyway

2010-01-29T08:38:00.000-08:00

Having performed for the first time in Singapore 1998, I played my last gig there for the foreseeable future last April (2009). In total I was there 10 times and enjoyed every second. Pat and Helene Grennan, who can be blamed for unleashing me on the unsuspecting Singapore public for all those years, finally hung up the beer taps and the little boozer on Tras Street on the edge of China Town is no more.
One of the many highlights that I will always remember is being requested to sing 'River Valley Road' late one night after a long, hard gig. I wrote the song in Singapore about a special evening in a bar called the Blue Cow on the corner of River Valley Road and Zion Road, and this fact was spotted by some of the audience who asked to hear the song. The voice was a little hoarse and it was late, but it was one of those magic moments where the crowd all stopped and looked towards the stage without a sound until the song was over. It was a fitting tribute to my time in Singapore and I will miss the annual trip out there.