JACQUI SHARKEY - A New Dawn

JACQUI SHARKEY is based in West Donegal, but grew up in Glasgow, and found her musical footing in the city’s folk scene many years ago.
Despite her roots, “A New Dawn” is first album, and has been getting reaction everywhere from Shetland to Argentina.
Recorded in Donegal, the album has a lovely easy listening feel to it. She’s a big fan of Mary Chapin Carpenter, and has covered three of her less obvious songs, ”This Shirt”,”Haley Came To Jackson” and “Shut Up and Kiss Me”. She also covers Jessie Colter’s “I’m Not Lisa” , Anne Murray’s “You Needed Me” and Beth Neilsen Chapman’s “Sand & Water”.
The first single, and video, from the album, which has been featured on the “Hot Country” TV Show is a beautiful version of “When I Dream”. originally an early hit for Crystal Gayle.
“Restless Heart”, one of the strongest cuts on the album, was written by Ian Smith, from Kilmarnock, who also played acoustic guitar on the album. Ian co-wrote “Midnight Symphony” with Jacqui, and she wrote “Be My Valentine” on her own.
The album is really well produced, and Jacqui has chosen a nice set of songs which really compliment her vocal style, and the simple arrangements.
It is hard to pick a favourite, but her version of Tom Kimmel’s “If I Fell From Grace With You”, really clicks for me.
If you like the easy listening Anne Murray sound, then you’ll just love Jacqui Sharkey.
www. Jacquisharkey.com