The mandolin counter melody weaving between wonderful Irish Bouzouki chords that Andy Irvine is famed for, the new sound of Ireland, the sound that made the base of some of the most influential bands in Irish Music history, ……..seems to be missing on this album. This may disappoint Irish music fans but the powerful vocals and well crafted music compositions might well put him among some of the most impressive artists in the folk music world.

Rude Awakening is only the second solo album by this giant of Irish music, and indeed a massive eleven years gap between this and his first. Although there are many collaborative and ‘Patrick Street’ recordings in this time.

Never Tire of the Road has become almost a signature tune for Andy these days. Written as a tribute to his hero Woody Guthrie but in a strange the chorus says a lot about Irvine’s own life as well. A man in his 60’s still travelling from town to town, country to country and playing a VERY demanding set almost nightly. Surely by now Irvine himself has inspired as many as Guthrie.

This track has progresses a lot over the years, loosing the twangy, almost country styled guitar. I loved this early version, but after hearing the ‘Rain on the Roof’ version it somehow does quite match up.

Raoul Wallenberg. A self penned song that shows what a master this singer is. Tells the tale of a Swedish man, risking his life, to save the Jews. This is the highlight of the album for me, it really captures a time and feeling beautifully. The sad truth of this incredible individual is that no ones know the real truth behind what finally happened to Raoul after he was arrested. Some say dead, some say still suffering from his ‘crime’ of kindness in a prison cell. Maybe sadder still, I had never heard of Raoul Wallenberg until I had heard this song.

James Connolly is quite simply the most beautiful songs of James Connolly you will ever hear. The emotion that Andy captures on this track is simply breathtaking, and the swirling music builds the emotion higher as the words of his story unfold. A very powerful song.

Viva Zapata!

The Whole Damn Thing.

Rude Awakening. A great title track and a chilling story too. The opening lines to this ‘with bitter regrets, his voice haunts me yet’. This shows Andy definitely taking his writing and playing style in to a new direction.

Michael Dwyer's Escape. This is a wonderful track, and is wrapped in a more familiar Irish feeling to it.

Douglas Mawson. This is a chilling tale and very impressively put to music. You can feel the music turn and follow as this story creates a dreadful adventure. Apparently, written after Andy had read a book on the ice explorers. I have even heard Andy sing this on stage and it grips the audience with his words. A very difficult tune to even attempt on the bouzouki, but as always, he does it with ease.

Allan McLean. A lighter tune, and a good one. Andy also used to sing this one live on stage and is always well received. The words, ‘She was a rich man’s daughter and I am a poor man’s son’ says it all.

Love To Be With You. The story behind this seems to be that Andy put together a few of his broken hearted songs that sat in a drawer, and reworked through the eyes of an ice explorer. Seems to give the words being said more weight.

This album is full of true life stories and hero’s, not light listening but definitely a collection of songs that will awakening every emotion in your body, and even educate you at the same time. Irvine’s voice has matured beautifully since his first solo offering. A new direction and a powerful direction, at that. Add to that the talents of Davy Spillane and Arty McGlynn and you have an incredible recording.

This is an album that Woody Guthrie would lift his hat to, and album that might very well put Andy Irvine as one of the most moving and passionate performers of our time.

Kieron Seamons.