Irishman Bap Kennedy left us far too early, hit by the curse of cancer and passing on at only 54 in 2016. In his memory, and with all proceeds going to Marie Curie cancer care, comes this great five track tribute EP from The Raving Beauties. The twist here is that the Beauties don’t actually exist, being in fact a one-off collaboration between Belfast man Brian Bell and Oxford’s rather wonderful Dreaming Spires.
Between them they take on five of Bap’s best, namely “The Way I Love Her”, “Moriarty’s Blues”, “Walk In Love, Hard Street” and Lonesome Lullaby” which nicely spans his career and shows just how good a writer he was. All are given something of a Sixties-style makeover which works really well, giving a light and airy feel that sits somewhere between classic Sixties pop, the Summer of Love and the Byrds. A Paisley Underground feel if you will. It’s a great listen and a great cause and for only a fiver for download or a tenner for 10” vinyl a bit of a bargain to boot.
You can buy the vinyl here: https://farmmusic.bigcartel.com/ and the download here: https://ravingforbap.bandcamp.com/
Summary
Great charity tribute to the much missed Bap Kennedy
