Irish troubadour will perform at Tipperary venue

Gerry Lawless and the Clonmel World Music crew are delighted to present a great Irish artist, John Blek from Cork, on Friday 15th March.

This gig will be held in Jerry Moynihans, Gladstone Street Clonmel.Doors open at 7pm and show will start at 8pm.
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.

Born in the north county 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.
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 37 John has a catalogue of music that would represent a life’s work for many musicians. John 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 10 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.

Until The Rivers Run Dry is the eighth studio album from John. The 10 track album was recorded over 10 days in early 2022. Though the process was quick it was not rushed. Blek entered the studio with an inspired clarity and a vivid picture of what he wanted to create. This is by far his most substantial and sophisticated sounding record to date, filled with McCartney moments and Scott Walker swagger. The soaring strings often evoke a Spektor-esque sound, chamber pop backing vocals full of indie spirit paired with a blend of electronic and acoustic drums lead us into a new sonic realm but the heart of the record is Blek’s profound and poetic alt-folk songwriting.
The new record was produced by John and long time collaborator Brian Casey at Wavefield Recordings, Clonakilty, Ireland.

The record features vocals by Cathy Davey and strings by Colm Mac Con Iomaire (The Frames) as well as Kit Downes on piano, Davey Ryan on drums and Chris McCarthy playing double bass.
.There will be no support act, and John Blek will start at 8pm prompt.
Tickets are available on www.clonmelworldmusic.com, or from Gerry Lawless on 086 3389619.