Sunday's Seven Degrees of Damien Rice

Juniper was Damien Rice's first band. They were a relatively successful young Irish 5-piece who played electrifying gigs which were always packed out. They signed to PolyGram for a potential 6-album deal and managed to release two reasonably-well received singles, the most notable being ‘Weatherman’. But that was as far as the band got. Dodi Ma (Damien Rice) felt inhibited by the record deal and left the band.

Juniper - Weatherman (right click, save target as)



When Dodi Ma broke free the drummer Paul Noonan took over the singing duties, formed as the band Bell X1 (pronounced X one, not bell eleven which Marty Whelan used to call them) and released their debut album Neither Am I in 1999 with producer Nick Seymour of Crowded House fame. The band have also released Music in Mouth and Flock albums in 2003 and 2006 respectively as well as a live at the point cd/dvd. Flock has been given a huge push in the US this year. Little sister from the debut is a survivor from the Juniper days.

Bell X1 - Little Sister (right click, save target as)



While the ex members of Juniper were busy making a living for themselves Damien based himself in Italy for a while. He brought together a great bunch of musicians who recorded the debut album O with Damien throughout 2001. O has sold well over two million records worldwide and propelled him into cult like status. Lisa Hannigan's wonderful voice complimented Damien's vocals and it a defining feature of Damien's success.

Lisa Hannigan - Teeth (Live in Dingle Co. Kerry for Other Voices) (right click, save target as)



Lisa has her debut album See Saw out on 12th September, a brand new website and is touring Ireland as I type. This includes a sell out show at Whelans, a performance at the Electric Picnic and an US Autumn tour on Jason Mraz' coat-tails. Damien's other siren to feature prominently on the albums is Vyvienne Long who is getting her own career into gear. The excellent Birdtalk EP was released to critical acclaim with a record on the horizon real soon.

Vyvienne Long - Blue Carousel (right click, save target as)



Damien Rice is heavily involved in making the world a better place. This week he participated in a music album called Songs for Tibet, which is an initiative to support Tibet, Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso and to underline the human rights situation in Tibet. Lonely Soldier was a charity single released in Ireland on 24 Jun 2004 in aid of peace. The track was recorded by Damien & Christy Moore and features Tom Osander, Lisa Hannigan and Shane Fitzsimons.

Damien Rice & Christy Moore - Lonely Soldier (right click, save target as)



I have to admit I was worried about the loss of Lisa Hannigan to Damien's future recordings. However this collaboration with Tori Amos has given me some hope that he will overcome the massive void left by Lisa's departure. Damien sang with Tori Amos on the track The Power of Orange Knickers that appeared on 2005's album The Beekeeper.

Tori Amos - The Power of Orange Knickers (right click, save target as)

To finish the post I want to highlight the superb quality of Damien Rice's music. I believe the cover version of The Blower's Daughter will testify the strenght of the songwriting. The second album 9 was released and was darker than O in many ways. Thats why as a complete album I prefer it to the debut. All I can say is bring on album number three!

Scala & Kolacny Brothers - The Blower's Daughter (right click, save target as)