Live At The Fairways Hotel, Dundalk

Liner notes by Paschal Mooney:
"All the exitement and atmosphere of a live recording is captured magnificently on this top value album, which like the FAIRWAYS HOTEL has all kinds of everything. From the opening set of Cha Chas, featuring the CYRIL JOLLY GROUP, with CYRIL on Cordovox, and vocalist PADDY FARRELL taking lead guitar and piano, to the MARGO-type voice of ANN DURRIGAN singing 'WILD SIDE OF LIFE', on the closing track, the sense of realism and feeling of 'I was there' is never lost.
VELVET RECORDS were particularly fortunate in having GENE STUART & THE MIGHTY AVONS cabaret on the night, and the undoubted talent of this young country singer becomes all the more evident with his brilliant interpretation of two country 'classics', THE MAN BEHIND THE GUN and GONE ON THE OTHER HAND. Must give mention here to THE MIGHTY AVONS, now rated one of Ireland's greatest showband attractions, who provide the excellent backing on both these tracks. Have a listen to the big voice of BIG IVAN, who at eighteen stone weight must be in lone for the title of Irelands biggest singer!! BIG IVAN is joined by THE VELVETS; led by Kevin for two songs which may prove to be the most popular. 'I'VE LIVED A LOT IN MY TIME' and 'LITTLE BOX OF PINE' are a marvellous showcase for a talent that will certainly be recognised nationwide, in the not too distant future. If you like the songs of a more romantic nature, the MAY GRAY singing 'THE JOYS OF LOVE' is for you. Just right for listening to in front of a blazing log fire on these cold winter nights!! GERRY CALLAN comes from the Knockbridge area of Co.Louth, and I have no doubt that his version of 'ALMOST PERSUADED' will be very big in his native Togher and Annagassan!!
One of my all-time favourite songs is the Stevie Wonder hit 'A PLACE IN THE SUN'. DONIE MARRON & THE DISTANT COUSINS, with some fantastic guitar playing by Mickey Conn of RTE's 'HOEDOWN' fame, had me almost applauding with the FAIRWAYS audience!! The FAIRWAYS HOTEL has a nightly cabaret scene, and one of it's regular and favourite guests is PAT GRIMLEY from Armagh. Pat is featured here singing the very beautiful 'WHEN WE WERE YOUNG' and I'm sure if truth were known, many a tear was shed that night. VELVET RECORDS hope to release a single by Pat in the near future, so watch out for it!!
The folk enthusiast is also catered for on this superb album. Local group THE WESLEY FOLK capture the full magic of a 'live' performance with 'EVERYTIME' and when it comes to folk, I'll have the WESLEY FOLK everytime!!
So there you have it. As I stated at the outset, this is an LP with all kinds of everything, and I'm sure it has something for you. FAIRWAYS manager SIMON O'CARROLL must be very proud of his cabaret artists who, incidentally, can be heard any night at the famed FAIRWAYS, while on Saturdays this is dancing to Irelands top showbands. Buy this album and you'll be there, every night, 'LIVE AT THE FAIRWAYS'!!

Notes: Recorded live by Trend Studios Dublin, engineered by John Dardis. Produced by Jimmy Smith.
Backing provided by members of the Annalees Showband: Howard Lowrey (organ), Mattie Smith (guitar), Jim Leonard (bass), Bud O'Neill (drums). Some tracks augmented by Basil Hendricks (steel guitar).