Derek, who writes his own music, describes his new album as a “return to his roots”, inspired by the traditional music and songs that were passed down to him through generations of his family. Co-writing ‘Pure & Simple’ with some of Ireland’s best songwriters and long-time collaborators Gerry Carney, Eleanor McEvoy and Eoin Glackin, he has also recently written songs for other artists on the country scene including Daniel O’Donnell, Philomena Begley, Foster and Allen and many more.
‘Pure & Simple’ features Derek’s special arrangement of traditional Irish songs which he attributes to his dad for introducing the melodies to him growing up and will be exciting new additions to the setlist of Derek Ryan’s nationwide concert tour starting in January. “‘Colcannon’ is one of the first songs I ever learnt when I was 7/8 years old, Dad brought home a book of lyrics of old Irish songs, and I remember learning it word for word. I called it 'the little skillet pot'! I've had it in my mind for a long time to record and I just thought it would suit this style of album. The ‘Mingulay Boat Song’ is another song Dad passed on to me and the minute I heard it, I fell in love with the melody. I can't wait to perform this one live, especially at our Scottish shows!”
“I’m so looking forward to the ‘Pure & Simple’ concert tour – it’s going to be our biggest tour yet with more dates added than ever before. We are touring it from January to the end of April, with Scottish shows on St Patrick’s week in March as well, which is all really exciting for me and the band. We get to visit more places and play these new songs live to the fans and that’s what it’s all about, seeing their reaction to your music and singing along to every word is the best feeling.”
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