"Impressive from the first note, McDonnell is an artist to watch." - FREETIME - New York, March 2006. "Ireland have yet to produce an alt.country act to bother the US market. If there’s any justice, we’ve just found one." - Hotpress, February 2006. McDonnell is one of the best new songwriters to emerge from the west and indeed Ireland, in years and has the voice and stage presence to match. This last year seen him play alongside John Martyn, Roesy, Sandi Thom, Liam Frost,Luka Bloom,The Saw Doctors, I am Kloot & Mundy to name but a few. His festival appearances have stolen the show. Noelie independently released his self-titled debut in Ireland in March this year, since then he has completed two American tours, including an appearance at New York's 'Craic Fest'. Noelie was invited to play the UK's SWAP festival in July, the only Irish act alongside UK Rising acts, Sandi Thom, I AM KLOOT & Liam Frost. At the start of September Noelie was again the only Irish act invited to play Ithca festival in Italy, where he played to a packed venue, independently and with no release there yet, the word of mouth PR campaign of Noelie McDonnell is traveling fast. With his powerful vocals and passionate lyrics, Noelie McDonnell has the ability to take the listener to a magical place, if you’re not familiar with his music, its simple really - catchy melodies combined with stunning guitar performance and heartfelt poetry. His rapport with his audiences is one that is immediately inviting and always memorable. So it’s not surprising that McDonnell fans are quickly increasing in number and dedication! Noelie will return to the UK at the end of January 2007, and will return to America in February where he plays the Folk Alliance conference in Memphis. Visit www.noeliemcdonnell.com to hear tracks instantly visit www.myspace.com/noeliemcdonnell Noelie McDonnell - Reviews "......Like Damien Dempsey, McDonnell does little to hide his native accent, and it adds to the charm of his country rock compositions. Everything else on 'Noelie McDonnell' however, is decidedly Americana. Acoustic picking and pedal steel guitars tangle the roots rock of 'Steal a rhythm' a lovely ballad that proves that this singer is in touch with his inner Kris Kristofferson....."Belly of the earth” has a shuffling beatnik beat that’s thoroughly infectious, especially when mixed with such excellent lyrics ......." New York City", a song that a coffee house strummer in Manhattan would kill to write.........McDonnell is a cut above the rest........" The Irish Voice - New York - November 2006 Irishman Noelie McDonnell Crafts a less traditional sound on his self - titled debut. And instead opts for more contemporary, roots-rock fare. Kicking of with the spirited 'Stars' where the guitar and harmonica meet in a joyful fit. McDonnell reminds of a cross between Ryan Adams and the counting crow's Adam Duritz. The lovely 'New York City' brings some heart felt folkiness to the mix, with McDonnell's slight accent adding to the sincerity of the track. The catchy ' want to go' finds a swift melody and hangs on tight, leading into the hypnotic, 'Belly of the earth' giving off a Dave Matthew's band vibe, albeit with vocals straight outta Galway instead of Virginia, impressive from the first note, McDonnell is an artist to watch! Free Time - New York March 2006 '..... If you want to listen to someone who's gonna be more well-known in the future; check out this guy, you might just like what you hear! ' Ska, Punk & other junk, New york March 2006 '......last night in new york a small club on attorney st. had it's spirits lifted, what a show! Noelie McDonnell is a startling new Irish talent" (Craic fest gig @ Sin-e - New york) New York Press, New york, March 2006 '........musicianship of the highest quality, this debut album confirms he is one Irishman to look out for.' Hotpress Magazine - Ireland - March 2006 McDonnell is a natural at crafting catchy folk-rock songs with stories that linger as long as the hooks. Bill O' Neill - Cape Cod Times - Feb 2006 When reviewing Noelie McDonnell's demo in these pages last year, I described the Galway singer-songwriter as a hybrid of John Prine, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan. The arrival of his debut album only confirms that he is all that and, indeed, far more than the sum of his influences. With not a drawl nor a y'all in sight, he picks his way delicately through a dozen robust originals, all tastefully blending elements of outdoor rock, pop, folk and country, and all delivered in his warm, expressive and unaffected voice. Aided and abetted by a bunch of fine local musicians, McDonnell comes across as the real deal, making happy marriages of the catchiest melodies and homegrown lyrics better than any matchmaker. On the uptempo 'Stars' the reggae-fied 'Walkin' On' and 'New York City' he shoots straight from the heart. 'What Am I To Do', replete with his wailing harmonica, shows great vocal maturity and confidence. 'Want To Go' sambas in before settling into a fine rockin groove, and there's a mountain of heartache in 'Easy On Me' and in the brilliant 'Steal A Rhythm'. The laid-back 'Roundstone' is reminiscent of Ger Wolfe and John Spillane, and it's a true gem, decorated with Gert Nungesser's weeping steel guitar. The excellent 'Marrakech' will bring the people involved in tourism in Donegal out in hives, and if 'Belly Of The Earth' goes off-message a little, this is a debut to be taken seriously. Despite the country and westernisation of Ireland, we have yet to produce an alt.country act to bother the US market. If there's any justice, we've just found one. 8/10 Jackie Hayden - Hotpress Magazine, Ireland 10th February 2006 "With folk music entertaining a possible resurgence thanks to Nizlopi, Here's an artist with the potential to follow suit. Making this a double A-Side is a smart move by a smart guy, with 'Marrakech' being a tune you'd bring out for a good old (possibly drunken) sing-song. 'Belly of the earth', on the other hand, reveals a more sombre an passionate element to Noelie, and might be played to accompany the bad kind of drinking. It's a solid offering, and his imminent seven date Irish tour should prove it's full worth" Hotpress, double Aside single review, Ireland January 2006 “Appealing forthright delivery and a passionate exuberance to his song writing ……Not a dull moment …….” Album preview The Evening Herald – Ireland November 2005 " ........This is an album full of treasures.." “Those who have seen Noelie’s live shows will readily recognize that ‘Marrakech’ is the song with which he is most identified. In one of the most beautiful compositions I’ve heard for many years…..If Noelie can convert the live euphoria this creates into radio plays then its surely has a hit single on his hands. It’s worth the price of admission alone!” Album preview Galway Advertiser, Ireland November 2005 ‘…..a song that Johnny Cash might of worked his magic on. Given that’s now an impossible dream we can get by with McDonnell’s own version. Roll on the album ……….’ Hotpress , July 2005 'This is the best music I have heard in a long time..........' Michelle Harding, Clare FM, September 2005 ‘One of Galway’s most gifted songwriters……..’ The Galway Advertiser, November 2005