In the heart of London’s vibrant music scene, Bush Hall played host on Tuesday night to soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics as Pa Sheehy, the esteemed Irish singer-songwriter from Dingle County Kerry, took the stage. He was joined by two backup singers who played the violin and keyboard. The intimate venue provided the perfect setting for Sheehy to connect with attendees, sharing personal stories of his childhood and family before playing songs that encompassed emotive storytelling and melodic prowess.

From the moment he took the stage, Sheehy’s distinctive voice, rich with the timbre of Irish folk traditions, filled the room. Accompanying himself on guitar, he effortlessly weaved intricate melodies that served as the foundation for his storytelling.

The setlist showcased Sheehy’s versatility as a songwriter. He seamlessly played songs from his recent Christmas EP, “The Christmas Fool” alongside the songs from his EPs, “The Art Of Disappearing” and “Lost In a 90s Arcade.” From the nostalgic song “Meet Me At The Record Store” to the soft acoustic sound of “Stutter,” Sheehy’s ability to traverse musical landscapes can easily captivate an audience.

One of the standout moments of the night came with Sheehy’s song “Drop Me In The Ocean,” a song he wrote with UK-based songwriter Jamie Norton over Zoom during COVID. The song quickly garnard the crowd’s attention, with many quietly singing along. The lyrics remain a testament to Sheehy’s storytelling prowess, as he painted vivid imagery with his lyrics and melodies.

Between songs, Sheehy shared anecdotes and reflections, often seemingly forgetting that he was performing in front of a crowd in one of the world’s most iconic cities. At moments, you felt as if you were having a one-to-one conversation with him.

For example, before playing the heartfelt song “Calling” he shared his admiration for his late-grandmother who was widowed when she was just 40 with 10 children. Despite living another 50 plus years, Sheehy said the song was inspired by his grandmother’s belief that she would be reunited with her husband.

The connection between Sheehy and his audience reached its peak during the encore, as the crowd jointly applauded for more. Sheehy obliged and returned the stage, saving his top-streamed hit to date “Roisin” as well as””Abigail,” which was off his recent Christmas-themed EP.

In conclusion, Sheehy’s performance at Bush Hall felt intimate, yet while being close to a full event. Sheehy allowed the crowd to know him as a songwriter, performer, and person. There is no doubt that next time Sheehy arrives in London, he will be performing to a larger crowd.

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Grace Derbyshire
LinkedIn