Just months since he passed away, Christie Hennessy’s The Two Of Us; The Duets Album, which he recorded during his illness last year, is to be released on Friday April 25th.

Hennessy also recorded an unnamed second album, but wrote a moving introductory note for the album set for release, shortly before his death last December.

“This album didn’t start out as a duets album. John Themis and I wrote a song we felt would be suitable for Christy Moore, Luka Bloom and myself to sing for a fantastic cause, the charity ‘Children in Crossfire’.

Christy and Luka took it on board and they made a fantastic job – and I had a great day recording with them in studio in Dublin. But then it had to be good – they both have that special ‘IT’ factor. Anything Christy turned his hand to would be a success and Luka has this great empathy and insight. Though we never expected the single to grow from that into a duets album…

When he heard about the track, I was asked by Dave Pennefather from Universal Music Ireland if I’d ever thought about making a duets album. It sounded great, so he told me to pick all the artists that id like to work with – artists that would mean something to me and my songs. So firstly, I’d like to say thanks to him for making this happen and secondly, a massive big hug and thanks to everyone who gave their time and their art for this album.

My daughter, Hermione, has had to move out to allow all these singers to duet with me, as on every other album I have always written a duet for us. But there’s a new one included on this album too, and its just for her!”

Christie Hennessy – November 2007

The album The Two Of Us; The Duets Album, is now available for download on www.umusic.ie