Eleven Songs - Get 4 free bonus MP3's when you buy this album on lukabloom.com!
As we can now present the new record to everyone, I thought it might be nice to invite someone who contributes regularly to the site, to give a preview of the record to everyone; rather than me waffling about it. With this in mind, I went into the forum section of the website, where I discovered that people were talking about poetry in general, and also contributing some of their own poems for others to enjoy.
I was particularly taken by the musings of she who signs herself Frankie B, and so invited Frankie to hear and review the record for you all; and here is her review for you.

Thanks a lot Frankie,
Luka



The album, ELEVEN SONGS, is already fast becoming a favourite.
I have listened to it several times already, and discover something new
each time. It is wonderful and I feel privileged that Luka, himself,
asked me to preview it. It is also a step in a different direction for
himself. Not a bad step, mind, but one realizes he will never fail to
keep one guessing as to which style he wants to use.
It reminds me, a little bit, of music from a time when he was Barry
Moore, and not Luka Bloom, and yet, it also combines everything he has
done since then, as well.

It encompasses musings of life, love, introspection, prayer, and
thoughtfulness that has, in my opinion, become the Luka Bloom trademark
style. From the first track: - There is a time -, which makes me wonder
who he is speaking of. Is it a musing regarding a friend, or himself
put into perspective by someone close to him?
Through - I hear her, like Lorelei - which is soft, somehow wistful, and
makes my heart ache in the way of one remembering someone fondly, who
they no longer have, and yet sometimes still hear when least
expecting. To the final - Dont be afraid of the light that shines
within you - it is a journey in music that creates so many images in
my head that I was happily listening to it for quite some time before
going to bed, thinking about the fact that some songs like - Fire - have
a tendency to awaken and remind one to the realization of how shut off
one can get, when plugged in to so much modern technology that we
forget to look outside of ourselves.

Luka Bloom has been quite well known for putting his sensory
experiences and opinions to music at times. - I love the world Im in -
is one such song that incorporates such sensory imagery of nature as
seen and heard. It is the opinion of this person that his music would
be sorely lacking without it. In other words: we love the world he is
in, right down to the drum beats and bass tones, train rhythms and
easy going manner. We would love to join him there, and do, thanks to his
music.

Different music style:
It does have a slightly different flavour. It seems to be retro, but
modern, in that it employs an almost (and you will have to forgive me,
or not) hippy style, combined with a night-clubesque feel. Not one of
those hip-hop dance clubs, but one where you have the musician on a
stage, and people in the background listening to the clink of a glass
or more. Of course, we are all used to himself changing his styles
when he finds something that interests and amuses him anyway, so
perhaps it is no great surprise, that he has a slightly band- driven
sound this time. Either way, - ELEVEN SONGS - is a wonderful and
thoroughly engrossing compilation of new(er) songs, that many have
been looking forward to hearing recorded, especially if they attend
his concerts with any sort of frequency. Indeed, I was especially
enjoying the backing vocals employed, since it made me think of a
festival, where everyone is having a grand old time.
(Much like one of his concerts,
where people are singing along.)

There is a veritable feast in this album, and I really could go on and
on about the tracks. I had heard - See you soon - the first time, at my
very first Luka Bloom concert, in 20

Greetings everyone,

I hate watching violent movies. Always did. whenever I find myself watching one, I look through closed fingers, and wait for the hard parts to pass. That's what it was like last night trying to watch the new DVD for the first time. I loved the bits in the documentary section where I'm playing with friends, or walking with my sister; but I couldn't be looking at or listening to myself talking so much. The only part of the DVD I could watch without freaking was when I was playing guitar, because it's the first time I've watched myself do that, and I still have no clue what I'm doing, which is a bit of fun.

What I'm saying is I would never have done this. Only for members of my family and a few people close to my family, the DVD would never have happened. Niall, Usna, Turlough, Anne, and all the people they assembled, made this happen.

They started to ask me about it 3 years ago and I didn't want to know about it. Just let me write songs and sing them and I'm happy. But the lads just thought it was time for this, and they persisted. I thought they were mad.

So many great people came over to Dublin for a mighty night in the Helix. From all over the place. We had a lovely time.

I'm not going to go into the details of the delay in getting the DVD finished, but I'll just say there were serious issues with the Helix gig from a technical perspective. We lost all but 50 minutes of the gig. I was prepared to let the project go, but Niall and Usna persisted, and in time they rescued enough of the show to consider finishing.

Then I got the idea of bringing a few people round to the house for a Saturday afternoon, to get a different buzz.

Then we approached the lads in Holland about using the documentary......And all of a sudden nearly 3 years later here we are.
2 gigs, a bunch of songs, way too much of me talking shite.
I can't watch it, and I never will again.

But for people who like these things, I hope the DVD satisfies your curiosity.

And I hope you enjoy the songs, and the shots of the Burren.

I've learned something from the DVD, and I'm grateful for that.

Its great to sing and play music. But maybe not so great to be trying to explain yourself. Maybe there's no need. Maybe it is best to sing the song, and then shut up. I think so.

See what you think.

This was a long tough road, especially for Niall and Usna at Union Station Productions. I thank them and admire them for their resilience and conviction. And I thank all the people who helped put the 2 gigs together.

But most of all, I thank the people who took time and trouble to travel to Dublin to attend the Helix gig.

We really hope the wait is worth it for you now.

It's great to have it done.

Right so, I'm off to make a record...
God bless,
Luka
__________________________________
 __________________________________

Greetings one and all and Happy St Bridget's Day,
The Luka Bloom DVD "The Man Is Alive" is now available as a pre-order. The product will be shipped on the 20th of February.
To preview video clips and much more please visit themanisalive.com
Thanks and enjoy!!
Lukateam