Mick Flannery

Bob Dylan, Kurt Cobain and Tom Waits are about as good an influence as you can have as a young musician. The work of these great artists helped to shape the mind of a young Mick Flannery leading the Irish Singer Songwriter to create his own great works later in life. His songwriting is so prolific that he even won an award at the International Songwriting Competition, judged by none other than his hero, Tom Waits. – funny how these things go.

His solid songwriting translates well into a live setting. With a voice that channels the rawness of Cobain and Dylan with the range and dynamics of Jeff Buckley, his music is immediately transfixing, drawing the audience in and holding them mystified. Even with just the gentle backing of an acoustic guitar, double bass and piano, Mick’s music is incredibly powerful and will almost definitely stir up an emotional reaction for those in the crowd. Mick has turned a solid set of influences into a solid body of work and with a number one album this year, he’s not stopping soon.

Excellent solo gig from Mick Flannery at Manchester's intimate Night and Day Cafe. Great lyrics, and a wonderful voice (not to mention being a pretty mean guitarist and keyboard player). Can't understand why he isn't better known - he has produced some excellent CDs too (although I personally only have "Red to Blue", and "By The Rule", plus the latest - "I Own You" - which I bought at the gig last night, so haven't had chance to listen to yet). I'll be first in line next time he's playing in the M/c area - if you listen to his work, perhaps you'll be there too!

Also worth mentioning is Dave Fidler, MF's support last night - I have seen Dave a few times now - a very talented guitarist, and great song-writer who also deserves wider recognition. A support act NOT to be late for!

I came to this gig with high expectations and Mick Flannery far exceeded them with a performance of intensity and genuine feeling. Feeding off a vocal and obviously adoring audience in the Duncairn Arts Centre, Mick had a great rapport from the start. Opening on the piano for his first few numbers then on acoustic guitar, Mick had the audience eating out of his hand with his self-deprecating humour. Closing with "Safety Rope", Mick left briefly before a 4 or 5 song encore which whipped up the crowd again before leaving with everyone in awe.

I've seen Mick quite a few times and as usual he delivered on the night in the Debarras.Great gig, very intimate and he sounded (and looked!) amazing. It was my 1st time hearing his new material which was excellent and had me up on my feet dancing and even singing along. He's quite simply an incredible artist who plays REAL music. Very humble guy who made time at the end of the gig to hang out with his fans. A solid 10 out 10!

Mick arrives on the stage as a guy who doesn't really know what he's doing there but we know it... He has a special voice, a shy-looking guy. He gave us a funny explanation how songs came to him... He's adorable. He's guitarist is discreet but effective. Lisa's coming to sing with him and was brilliant. A small concert place note filled but those who were there were
very happy. We love Mick FLANNERY.

Brilliant gig in a beautiful atmospheric venue. Travelled down from Cheshire for the gig in London, and we weren't disappointed. A great mix of old and new material, and a tight backing band. Nice chat between the songs. Come up to Manchester next time Mick!

The music: sublime. haunting. emotional. like stepping through a portal to another world that you've never been to, but feels like home. The venue: Nell's Blues and Jazz is perfect for an intimate live music gig: small, dark, atmospheric, secret.

The show was spectacular. Mick at his best! Can't believe he does not play larger venues, but I am grateful for the opportunity to see him and his amazing band in such an intimate location. Please come back next year.