Event Phone: 0863389619
John Blek (Cork)
Friday 11th February 2022
Doors 8pm,
Show 9pm
The County Sessions
at Jerry Moynihans
Clonmel
Gerry Lawless and the Clonmel World Music crew are delighted to be back promoting music in Clonmel, following a tough two years for us all. They are beginning a very busy programme of gigs between February and July with a great Irish artist, John Blek from Cork.
This gig will be part of The County Sessions series, held in Jerry Moynihans, Gladstone Street Clonmel.
Born in the North Co. Cork hinterland John Blek is an Irish troubadour in the truest sense of the word. Dedicating himself to his craft and the development of his own new tradition whilst remaining true to those who have gone before him. With a voice that can go from an intimate whisper to a room rumbling roar Blek can steal an audience away. He claims to be a lifelong journeyman but is an incredible fingerstyle guitarist and a master storyteller.
John Blek is an artist with a story to tell. With his timeless emotive voice and layered fingerstyle guitar you will be transported from scene to scene as his expansive songbook unfolds.
John is Cork City born and bred currently residing only a mile or two from his childhood home but listening to his music you can hear the influence of travel and experience. His music is written from such a personal place that it creates the sense that he grew up with these songs, that they are in his blood – and in a way he did, they are his thoughts, his words, his sounds and his stories.
It all began for him in the passenger seat of his father’s Hiace van. Parked in the driveway running the battery down listening to cassettes from Jim Croce, Willy Nelson and The Beatles. These formative musical experiences unknowingly laid the foundation for John’s self lead musical education. Later the discovery of Bert Jansch, Bob Dylan, Nick Jones and Neil Young added more fuel to his fire. He began writing his own music at 15 for no other reason than that he found it frustrating and false trying to learn and imitate other musicians’ work. That was the start of his pursuit of his own unique voice.
Although only 35 John has a catalogue of music that would represent a life’s work for many musicians. Blek is a career musician, and he has dedicated his working life to developing his music. He began his solo career in 2014, and over the last eight years has created a reputation as a singer songwriter who is sure to leave a legacy of timeless music that will speak to generations. He has released 8 albums to date. He speaks about his craft as passionately as he performs and has a dedicated fan base, meaning he has a well-worn path returning to play venues across Germany, Belgium, Holland, Denmark and the UK as well playing to sold out venues in Ireland.
This very special show takes place in the cosy function room in Moynihans pub in Clonmel, in a cafe style setting with full seating at candle-lit tables.
Doors for the gig will open at 8pm. There will be no support act, and John Blek will start at 9pm prompt.
PRESS QUOTES
“A lovely sounding thing” – Roddy Hart, BBC
“A force of nature” – The Irish Times
“a master of subtlety in realms of folk-informed pop.” – The Thin Air
“His talent is shining brighter with every album.” – John Creedon, RTÉ
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Friday
11th February 2022
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm John Blek onstage at 9pm