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Dundalk’s finest taking over National Concert Hall for Stewart Agnew and James Mackin album launches

Stewart Agnew is looking forward to marking the launch of his first album in ten years with a gig at The Studio in the National Concert Hall on Thursday May 9

Margaret Roddy
© The Argus

There’s something of a Dundalk takeover happening at The Studio at the National Concert Hall, Dublin on Thursday May 9 when singer songwriter Stewart Agnew and his six-piece band are joined by the acclaimed Louth fiddle player Zoe Conway for a concert celebrating the lunch of his new album Into the Black Hills.

The night also sees another Dundalk musician, drummer and composer James Mackin launching his debut solo Human Condition.

“I’m absolutely looking forward to this. It’s a special place to play and it’s great that James is also launching his album on then night,” says Stewart.

His fourth album, Into the Black Hills, sees him returning to not just the studio, but also to live performances.

"We had a great night in the Spirit Store on St Patrick’s night. The Dundalk crew are always up for a good night and people are getting to know the new songs.”

Stewart has played live with everyone from Ron Sexsmith (who guested on Songs from the Gasstation album to Mick Flannery, Beth Orton, Josh Ritter, Justin Townes Earle & Gemma Hayes.

This new album saw his collaborating with Duke Special and Phil Wilkinson as he brought twelve new songs to life.

Stewart co-wrote the song Rain Down Diamonds, the second track to be released as a single with Duke Special, while the first single Ghost Town saw him sharing the writing honours with Phil Wilkinson who has worked with Duke Special, Iain Archer, Foy Vance, Snow Patrol.

The songs are inspired by his life in the decade since he last released an album, during which time he lived in different places, became a father and took up a job in Dublin.

While life has changed, he is relishing the prospect of performing the songs from the album in the Studio at the National Concert Hall and hopes to return to the Spirit Store during the summer.

For his live shows Stewart is in the fortunate position of surrounding himself with friends who also happen to be some of the finest Irish musicians around! Cormac Curran, keys and arranger (John Grant, Villagers, Lisa Hannigan, Cathy Davey and SOAK just some samples), Graham Heaney, double and upright bass (Ham Sandwich, The Lost Brothers), Saoirse Kavanagh R&B Soul Artist (Lianne La Havas) and Tadhg Leahy, guitars and piano (RIAM).

"To have Zoe Conway join us as a special guest in the National Concert Hall is something special,” says Stewart

Also taking place that night, is the launch of Human Condition the debut solo album by drummer/composer James Mackin, which is product of his residency at An Táin Theatre, blending electronic, cinematic, and rock influences with improvisation.