By Shane Supple | Photo: Michael Hussey (YoughalOnline.com)

Singer Songwriter Martin Murphy, a native of Youghal (Friar St.) now living in Cork has released his much-awaited new CD, ‘Cradle of the South’. The latest album is the fourth that Martin has released to date. It’s a collection of songs based on the town of Youghal, which in itself was unusual for Martin to base an album on one area or topic as his past releases cover many topics and places of interest. This time round however Martin concentrated on his native Youghal for inspiration. With songs like Youghal Bus, Moll Goggin’s Corner and Suddenly last summer, just some of the songs from this 12-track album, it’s easy to see how the writer was inspired.

Martin who wrote the songs over the last few years and spent many months in the recording studio worked with musicians and friends and his daughter Kate who sang backing vocals, crafting these songs to a finished collection.  Each song is a story crafted in a gentle and quite way, slightly understated but warm and engaging. From the first track Quicksand to the last track Soul Boys this album will allow the listener escape to Youghal and join Martin on this musical journey from start to finish. His soft gentle voice has a distinct quality tinged with wisdom and experience which will carry the listener through each story as they unfold.

Produced by Florry McCarthy who also played electric guitar and bass, with Paul Moore on mandolin, mandola and harmonica, Joe Garvey on electric guitar, Anton Bennet on harmonica and mandolin, Kate Murphy on backing vocals and Martin himself on Acoustic guitars and vocals its easy to see the quality of musicianship and different musical styles all gelling together to make this album one of the best albums to be released this year from a local singer/songwriter.

During a recent interview on Youghal Radio- (CRY) Martin was asked what advice would he give younger musicians starting off in the business and his reply was quite simple-”Get out and play your music to an audience, learn from the feedback and never be afraid to move things around”. – Sound advice from a man who writes from the heart and can share his musical experiences and knowledge with those that care to listen. The album is due for release in HMV Cork in January of 2009 and may also be purchased at Alan Prims, South Main St. here in Youghal.

Cradle of the South -  12 original tracks in all – new cd by Martin Murphy

“Cradle Of The South refers to the Blackwater River, Youghal and the Sea and

songs/stories on the CD come from those places -  there is a universal truth in the local”

Track 1  Quicksand takes a walk around ClayCastle
Track 4  Winds around MollGoggins corner lookin for a way out
Track 6  Leaving town on the Youghal Bus
Track 8  Takes you out past the old Rifle Range and Redbarn
Martin Murphy releases new CD Cradle of the south out now