Greatest voices of our time #3: Brian Kennedy

It's very likely that you've heard Brian Kennedy's unique voice without realizing it's actually him - he does the lead vocals on Secret Garden's original version of You Raise Me Up, as well as the follow-up hit Always There. If you still can't remember where you've seen the charming young man with the thick Northern Irish accent, he was actually representing Ireland in Eurovision Song Contest in May. Curious to find out more about him I searched the Internet and found out that he is indeed a multi-talent.

His biography is one big merit list: He's toured with Van Morrison and performed with Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan and Ray Charles, he's released several hugely successful albums, written two novels, presented shows both on TV and radio, and performed as a lead singer in Riverdance on Broadway. The list goes on. Still, I have to say that possessing a voice of Brian's calibre must be a merit in itself.

As to reportoire it seems he can tackle almost anything - everything from beautiful ballads and traditional Irish songs, to upbeat pop tracks and folk rock influenced material.

WHY LISTEN TO BRIAN?

Q Magazine wrote about him that he had"a voice to charm the angels" and it is a very fitting describtion. Part of what makes it so unique is that whatever song he's singing, there is a sort of kindness and warmth in his voice as if he's singing to a little child. His soaring falsetto/head voice is perhaps most characteristic for his sound.

RECOMMENDED TRACKS:

Turn To Me, Won't You Take Me Home, So What If It Rains, The Town I Loved So Well