Biography


Independent Irish Singer-songwriter and guitarist Brian Duffy is a native of Westport, Co Mayo, Ireland.

His latest and third self-published album ‘The Walk’ was released on September 19, 2022.  It is the second of Brian's albums produced by the acclaimed Donogh Henessey.

Brian continues his collaboration with Mayo Concert Orchestra and Musical Director/Conductor Kathy Fahey for their stunning performance  of an 18-song repertoire of Duffy's original music and lyrics taken from his latest album ‘The Walk’ and includes tracks selected from his previous two albums ‘Something in a Melody’ and ‘I Am So.’   

Duffy has a natural ability to connect with his audience while sharing some of his life experience and how these songs came to be.

With a sold-out show at Westport's Town Hall Theatre  behind them Brian with Mayo Concert Orchestra and Musical Director Kathy Fahey are set to perform at Castlebar's Linenhall Arts Centre, Co Mayo on Friday, 16 February, 2023.

 ‘It was March 2022 when I first discovered a song by Brian composed in memory of his mother who passed away in the previous months, a song about Dementia called ‘Would I Lie To You'  I listened to it, and then several more times, and could not get it out of my head; the lyrics, the layered melodies, the timber or Brian's euphonious voice and wondered on earth I hadn't stumbled upon this singer-songwriter before…'  Mayo Concert Musical Director Kathy Fahey 
 
Duffy’s baritone is regularly compared to that of Cat Stevens, James Taylor and Jim Croce.
 
      ‘Brian’s Voice reminds you of a young James Taylor and his arrangements          
        compliment his style handsomely…’    Declan Askin, CODA

 

In 2023 Duffy collaborated with prolific musician/producer Glen Brady (DJ Wool, NY Electro duo The Glass, member of D.A.R.K) for Def Nettle's 'The Narrowback'. Duffy is credited as featured artist and co-writer.   His track 'You Win Again' (from his second album ‘Something In A Melody') receives an inspired and imaginative treatment as Brady applies his honed producing skills; with Duffy's vocals, lifting and manipulating Irish Trad elements, stretching the harmonies and guitar riffs  thereby creating a canvas for his hip hop beats and meaty bassline to deliver a powerful spoken word performance and gritty narrative of his early childhood experiences growing up as an immigrant as part of the Irish community at that time.  Released 11 July, 2023 on streaming and download platforms.


Duffy’s second album of ten original works ‘Something In A Melody’ was released on 2nd December 2016 brought together a stellar ensemble which beautifully compliments his vocals and guitar.  In addition to producing and engineering the project at his studios in Dingle, Donogh Hennessy also features on guitars, together with acclaimed fiddler player Laura Kerr; Aldoc’s Alan Doherty on low whistles, Raphael Dziubinski on percussion, Martin Brunsden on double bass (Sinead O’Connor, Hot House Flowers, P J Harvey) and Teresa Horgan’s (Fullset) backing vocals.  The album was mastered by Grammy-nominated producer Jim Salamone at Cambridge Sound Studios, Philadelphia, USA
 
Musical development came naturally and early for him; learning guitar and singing from a young age; performing traditional Irish and folk music from the tender age of 10 and has been immersed in music ever since.  Taking his work abroad at age 17, travelling extensively throughout the world, playing music and absorbing different influences along the way.  Having experienced some commercial success during five years based in northern Spain, Duffy toured throughout Spain playing to cultural houses, town halls and theatres with his trad/folk trio ‘On The Level.’  The trio also appeared regularly on local television.  Returning to Westport in 2008 signalled a return to his Irish trad/folk roots and nurtured his evolution as as an independent solo artist and self-released his debut album ‘I Am So’ at the 2012 Westport Arts Festival.
 
‘Brian Duffy’s songs are a gift to bring calm and joy in equal measure.  ‘One Foot Upon My Soil' in particular, for me, is a well-crafted song and performed beautifully here with pared back production.  The arrangements on the album are tasteful and sweet, with not a note out of place.   A gorgeous marriage of melody and word...'  -  Ger Wolfe, Singer/Songwriter 
                                                                                   

Bookings & Info: click here or call +353 87 266 3417
Email:  brianduffymusic@gmail.com