Artists:Kevin Delaney

Kevin Delaney

Himalayan Moon is the latest chapter in a musical odyssey that began decades ago with the wide-eyed discovery of some tattered vinyl LP's lying next to a primitive hi-fi system. The albums, by the likes of Bob Dylan, Neil Young, the Byrds and the Who, were owned by Kevin Delaney's older siblings, but he wasted no time wearing out what few grooves were left. The records awakened a desperate, primal instinct, and a cheap electric guitar was quickly procured. This led to a succession of out-of-tune rock bands that shook the foundations of suburban garages across Long Island. A few years later, inspired by the punk revolution, Kevin switched to bass and helped to found Manhattan new wave bands like Soviet Threat, 1000 Violins, FX and Project Xylophone, even as he managed to begin a successful journalism career. The music got louder and weirder through the years until Kevin and a few friends took a sharp left turn and started the Stumble Brothers, a band dedicated to faithfully recreating the sounds of early country music.

In the 1990's, Kevin discovered a deep love for the English songwriters Nick Drake and Bert Jansch and began concentrating on acoustic guitar. While experimenting with open tunings and delving into Eastern spirituality, a batch of new songs almost mysteriously materialized. They were unlike any Kevin had written previously, featuring moody guitar overtones, atmospheric melodies and poetic, imagistic lyrics. Kevin was soon performing solo in New York clubs like Sine and CBGB's Gallery, as well as in Ireland, his wife's native country. He released a self-recorded, self-produced CD, "Circle Time,and over the years has gained a dedicated following thanks to intense, pensive performances that are often balanced with humorous and surreal banter.

Around the turn of the millennium, Kevin met the producer and pianist Garius Hill in a Manhattan sandbox where their children were playing. This chance encounter led to the collaboration that created "Himalayan Moon. A collection of hauntingly melodic folk/pop ballads, the album is highlighted by a lush yet understated production featuring keyboards, cellos and ambient, echoing electric guitars. "Himalayan Moon is a richly eclectic record that incorporates jazz, celtic, classical and even rockabilly sounds. It flows seamlessly and beautifully through 12 unforgettable songs, all sharing Kevin's deeply expressive vocals, transcendent and vivid lyrics and distinctive acoustic guitar.

"May all who listen be moved and inspired..