Freddie White gig announced for Christ Church, Castlebar

THE next in a run of successful concerts brought by Greenroom Bookings to the stunning venue of Christ Church, Castlebar, is the amazing Freddie White on August 4. 

Freddie, who has been part of the fabric of the live music scene in Ireland since the 1970s, was born in Cobh, Co. Cork, into a musical family, and by age 17 he was playing professionally. At 19 he moved to London, where he busked in subways and developed his unique voice and guitar style. 

His earliest recordings, which were re-mastered and re-released in 2004, are still hugely popular among his loyal fan base.

In 1974 Freddie was a founding member of Scullion together with Philip King and Sonny Condell. Later he formed The Fake, regarded as one of the seminal Irish bands of the late ‘70s. Next came The Freddie White Band, formed in 1978, which toured with Eric Clapton that year.

His first album, Live on Tour, recorded while touring with Clannad, brought him national attention. His second album, Do You Do, was the biggest selling Mulligan Label album of 1981. 

With these early albums Freddie introduced an eclectic repertoire of music that spanned musical genres and eras to an Irish audience. 

In 2004, Freddie returned to Ireland after many years living in the USA and released an all-new studio album entitled Four Days In May. Recorded in Dublin with some of Ireland's finest musicians over a four-day period, it showcases Freddie's songwriting prowess and unerring choice of songs.

Released in 2008, Stormy Lullaby collaborates Jimmy MacCarthy and Jim Barrett in a stunning collection of moody tracks in which Freddie White's musicianship and voice shine through. Here With You, released in April 2012, introduced Trish Hickey and is a collection of songs from some of their favourite writers. The album was recorded in Ireland and Australia

Prodigal Songs, Freddie's latest album is a collection of songs about the power of love, the power of music, and an observation on the history of Ireland over the last 100 years - plus one song about a certain dog together with a healthy inclusion of some rare covers. His keen ear for quality songs, undisputed talent for interpretation, and exemplary songwriting skills stand out in this most intimate offering.

Freddie moved to Sydney, Australia, in March 2011 but toured Ireland and the UK regularly. He now resides in New York City and returns to play his annual Irish tour in July/August, where new songs will feature along with Freddie's classics from his 40-year career as a principal in the orchestra of Irish folk and rock music. 

The concert in Christ Church, Castlebar, will take place on Friday, August 4. Brian Duffy from Westport will also be playing on the night. Tickets (€20) are available from The Galway Roast, Castlebar, Greenroom Bookings on Facebook, or text or 'phone (087) 9909860. This is a concert not to be missed.