Eamonn Flynn – Anywhere But Home (Anam, 2022)
“Anywhere But Home” is a heartfelt tribute to the city of Dublin from accomplished Irish pianist, brilliant songwriter and engaging vocalist Eamonn Flynn. The US-based Dublin native wrote the nine songs from his home in San Francisco during the pandemic, when travel back to Ireland was not possible.
Although the insightful and captivating songs on “Anywhere But Home” are new and have modern elements, they feel timeless and are deeply rooted in Irish traditional music. Indeed, Flynn invited some of the finest musicians from the Irish and Scottish Celtic music scene: Athena Tergis, John Doyle and Mick McAuley (Solas); Mike McGoldrick (Lúnasa, Mark Knopfler); Todd Denman, James Macintosh (Shooglenifty); and James Blennerhassett (Paul Brady, Mary Black), along with acclaimed San Francisco Bay Area drummer Brian Collier (Santana, Ledesi, Lalah Hathaway).
The fascinating stories on “Anywhere But Home” talk about the vitality and creativity of current day Dubliners as well as historical events from the past. Topics include city residents playing bingo across balconies during the pandemic; body snatchers in 19th-century Dublin; a jam-packed 1990 Dublin pub with people watching the Football (soccer) World Cup game when Ireland first qualified for the quarter-finals; the experience of Dublin on an infrequent sunny day; the Dublin seawall, watching the sun climb over the sleeping city; and practices around funerals in Ireland, giving the dead “a proper send off.”
Eamonn Flynn was the session keyboardist on the 14-million-selling movie soundtrack for the 1991 comedy-drama The Commitments. currently based in San Francisco, Eamonn has recorded and toured with a wide range of artists in various genres, such as Michael Franti and Spearhead; Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King; Elvin Bishop; Maria Muldaur; Zigaboo Modeliste (The Meters) and many more; and has released two solo albums prior to “Anywhere But Home” with his original songs.
The picture that appears on the cover of “Anywhere But Home” is a portrait of what remains of The Manhattan Cafe, a much- treasured late-night eatery for Dubliners indulging in a night of partying or musicians after a gig. The photograph is by Ruth Gallagher.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.