Reviews for “Mooney’s Blues”

(Chrysamis Records 2022)

Irish Times – Cormac Larkin – Fri Oct 28 2022 

Mooney’s Blues – Contemporary, authentic, self-deprecating rhythm and blues

Dubliner Nigel Mooney’s tunes offer meticulous attention to musical detail and soar above imitators and revivalists

What right has a middle-class boy from Dublin got to sing the blues? There is no doubting the enduring appeal of mid-20th-century African-American music, of hep language and honking horns, of swinging grooves and flattened sevenths, but what has that got to do with anything in 21st-century Ireland? Guitarist and songwriter Nigel Mooney answers the question incisively in his liner note, and decisively in the music, on his enjoyable fourth album.

Founder and front man of the pioneering Gripewater Blues Band back in the early 1980s, Mooney has spent a lifetime swimming in the warm waters of the Mississippi and he knows his blues. But what raises the songwriting here above that of the imitators and revivalists is the contemporary references, the self-deprecating humour, and the authentic situations and emotions in his lyrics.

Mooney’s productions are also characterised by a meticulous attention to musical detail, and the cast of jazz grandees assembled here, including saxophonists Jean Toussaint, Michael Buckley and Brendan Doyle, backing vocals from Memphis diva Deborah Swiney, string arrangements from the great Fiachra Trench, not to mention Mooney’s own classy quartet, all add up to an hour of high-quality music that will delight those who need a fresh shot of old school rhythm and blues. And Mooney’s tunes, particularly the meta-blues of the title track, evince an awareness of all these contradictions that somehow make it all alright.

Reviews for “All My Love’s In Vain

(Rubyworks, 2005)

The Clare People, 12th July, 2005. *****

Unquestionably, Mooney’s work on this offering isn’t in vain. This is a tour-de-force of an Irish jazz/blues album, showcasing the Wicklow man’s innovative guitar playing and unique vocalising. Six of the nine tracks here are self-penned, showcasing Mooney’s superb song-writing talent. The other three comprise an instrumental “Boulavogue” and two knockout versions of Robert Johnson classics, “If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day” and “Love In Vain”. Effortless vocals, reminiscent of Mel Torme, Nina Simone and Chet Baker, fit snugly over a tight four-piece band sound. “All My Love’s In Vain” can stand up favourably with anything that has come out of Memphis, New Orleans or Chicago in recent times. A gem.

The Sunday Tribune, 5th June, 2005. ****

It has taken guitarist Nigel Mooney about 20 years to get around to his debut album, but the wait has not been in vain. Mooney has been one of the seminal figures of Irish blues since his Gripewater Blues Band pioneered the current live scene at places like J.J. Smyth’s. But even those who know him well are being blown away by this impressive collection of original songs, sung with real feeling, and played with real style by a group that includes Myles Drennan on keyboards, and a guest appearance by Richie Buckley.