- Culture
- 06 Sep 16
One of Ireland's most revered songwriters has just published her first ever songbook. Now, Eleanor McEvoy announces a book signing in Cork on September 10 to mark the occasion.
Naked Music - The Songbook is a pioneering collaboration between McEvoy and the acclaimed English painter Chris Gollon. It includes lyrics and melodies from the songs on McEvoy’s 2016 album, also titled Naked Music, alongside 22 of Gollon’s stunning paintings inspired by the music on that album. McEvoy herself explains: "Working on Naked Music – The Songbook with Chris was both daunting and challenging, but it was also an entirely enriching experience.”
The songbook also features an introductory essay by best-selling author Jackie Hayden exploring the nature of such collaborations, alongside interviews with both Gollon and McEvoy about the evolution of their partnership.
The seeds for this collaboration were sown when Eleanor purchased Chris’ painting Champagne Sheila from a London gallery when she was planning her next album. Recorded using only her voice and one instrument, and a collection of fiercely intimate songs, Naked Music became the focus for Gollon’s next series of paintings. That in turn led to a special event in London at which McEvoy performed the songs live during an exhibition of the paintings.
Advertisement
The book signing will take place this Saturday, September 10 in Easons, Patrick St, Cork from 1pm.