First solo CD for country singer

Kenny Speirs new CD, Sleepwalking, launched at Denholm Village Hall.

Renowned as a performer of traditional and contemporary folk songs, and as a member of the John Wright Band and Real Time, Kenny is now heading in a totally different direction.

‘Sleepwalking’ is a collection of 13 tracks all composed by Kenny. “I haven’t written many songs over the years,” he says, “but recently they have somehow started to flow. I sang some of them at local folk sessions and people seemed to like them, so I decided to record them with Tommy Roseburgh at Big Sky Studios.”

They are joined on the album by Brian Willoughby who played guitar with The Strawbs and Catherine Ashcroft who plays uillean pipes and whistles with Irish outfit Mochara. Completing the line-up are Stevie Lawrence of Iron Horse and The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and his long-time collaborator Fiona Cuthill on fiddle.

The album includes songs celebrating Kenny’s love of the Border country, and some quite emotional songs, especially those dealing with the loss of his partner Judy Dinning. There is also a blues influenced tribute to motor bike hero Steve Hislop. Come along on March 25 at 7.30pm to hear Kenny and his guests including Kieran Halpin. Admission £5 at the door.