Spells
I’ve been writing songs pretty much since I was a kid, I thought it would be nice to do an album of my life ( not all my life, watch out for Spells 2 ).
The concept is periods in time, songs written across 6 decades starting with the 70s!
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Available now from
Album Play List
See What Love Can Do - 1977
Written by Gerry Carr/John Higgins/Gerry Donnelly (GD).
This track was written as part of a group of songs intended as a Rock Opera telling the classic tale of the Prodical Son. Hopefully you can hear the 70s in this track as well as Gerry Carr’s lovely chord structure. Features Caroline Moore on piano.
For Gerry & John.
Bus - 2020
Written by GD
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Bus draws an analogy between a previous complicated life and the much simpler life of a Singer Songwriter, well, simpler on most days that is. To be fair, I am very grateful to enjoy both.
The track features backing vocals and percussion/knee slaps by Mary Donnelly.
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​For those who get to “drive the bus”.
Misty Morning - 1999
Written by GD.
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I recall getting up early that morning to catch the first flight to London, looking out the bedroom window and seeing my brother in law in his car, parked on our drive. How long had he been there, why was he there, what was going on?
Mary Donnelly on backing vocals, Caroline Moore on piano and Will Jones on Drums.
For Jagar.
Cast a Spell - 2003
Written by GD.
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An “out there” acoustic love song for the love of my life.
For the love of my life!
Fearless Belle of Kings Drive - 2017
Written by GD.
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I wanted to do something for my Wee Sister, I had been thinking about her quite a bit and the old days back in Newstevenston and our mostly, happy childhood. I wanted to capture her exuberance for life and for dance, hence the unashamed use of Disco Toms on the choruses.
For Anne.
This Storm Will Pass - 2020
Written by GD and arrangement by Mary Donnelly.
My attempt at lockdown song, enough said.
For us all.
The Beast of Balbithan - 2020
Written by GD/Rob Armstrong.
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Rob and I go way back, we met at College whilst studying Thermodynamics in the late 70’s and instantly discovered that we both laugh at the same jokes.
By the Way - 1981
Written by Alasdair Ferguson.
Back in the 80’s I was lucky enough to be the Frontman with Glasgow band Jewel Scheme. Alasdair penned most of the JS songs back then and I was delighted when he agreed to not only let me do a version of By The Way, but also produce and perform on the track. This version is quite different to JS’s rockier approach, but I think it still retains a flavour of the 80’s.
Featuring Alasdair on Keyboards/Drum Programming and Mary Donnelly duets on vocals.
For Drew, Phil, Joe, Alasdair, Karen and off course David; "The Jewel Scheme".
This track was our first collaboration on songwriting and we had such fun writing it. The song benefits from Rob’s elaborate imagination as well as his passion for late night bike riding in the scary Forrest! Folklore has it that a mythical beast terrifies the Balbithan Woods on the Winter Solstice. Will our intrepid bike rider make it through the woods to tell the tale?
Featuring Will Jones on drums.
For those who prefer the road less travelled.
Irish Sea - 2016
Written by GD/Mary Donnelly.
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Grandchildren have to be one of the wonders of the world, for a whole bunch of reasons. This track is a snapshot tribute to our boys and all you Grandparents out there. I was over the moon to once again make music with my great friend and musical hero Gerry Carr, Gerry’s piano just sings on this track.
Duet with Mary Donnelly. (And a wee nod to the late great Andy Carr).
For Conor & Brendan.
In Time Love Waits - 2020
Written by Guyelle Anderson.
Guy is just great, not only because she allowed me to record her song, but because she writes in a very direct and poignant fashion. This track covers a very very dark subject, yet the lyrics are poetic, generic and display hope. Featuring Will Jones on drums & Caroline Moore on piano.
​For Anne, George, Stephen & Jo Marie.
She Never Leaves You - 1998
Written by GD
Originally released as a single in May 2020, this is one of two versions of this song on the album. Featuring Mary Donnelly on backing vocals.
Produced by Alasdair Ferguson, Alasdair also plays Piano and Keyboards.
For May.
She Never Leaves You (piano/vocal version)/ Reprise
We just wanted to show this song in a slightly different light. I really enjoyed doing the vocal and strings on this version, Caroline’s Piano part really spoke to me. Reprise is a Piano/Strings arrangement of the first track on the album and brings the curtain down on the record.
For all our Mums.
All titles recorded and produced by Gerry Donnelly at George’s Place, Saintfield NI except (*), produced by Alasdair Ferguson/Gerry Donnelly.
Gerry Donnelly, Guitars, Bass, Vocals, Piano/Keyboards, Drum programming/Percussion & String arrangements.
Mary Donnelly, Vocals, Backing Vocals & Percussion.
Will Jones, Drums.
Alasdair Ferguson, Piano, Keyboards & Drum Programming.
Caroline Moore, Piano.
Gerry Carr, Piano.
Album cover photography, thank you John Quinn
Album concept, thank you Lesley Anne Moore
Thanks
A special thanks to all the musicians above who worked with me as a "virtual band" to produce this record. "lang may yer lum reek!"
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Extra thanks go to Captain Rob Armstrong; a sounding board, technical geek and authentic guy!
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And the last word as always goes to the lovely Mary Donnelly, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your patience, support, "reality checks" and above all else for allowing me to live the dream x x.
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This album is dedicated to the memory of George Gilbert Shiels Donnelly, Steelworker and hero of mine.
