MacD on Music: The cream of Derry's musical crop

If you've been reading this column for a while, you'll probably have noticed that, when I do 'Best of Derry/Gigs/Stendhal' etc. that it's a lot of the same names appearing.

This week I'm going to challenge myself by doing one of these articles without a single mention of TRAMP or Parker or any of the usual suspects (apart from that brief passing one).

This week I'm going to delve into the best talent this city has produced that doesn't get mentioned here every other week.
So, without further adieu, here we go...

Paddy Nash (with and without the Happy Enchiladas)

First up is one of Derry's finest singer/songwriters, Paddy Nash. Formerly of the Whole Tribe Sings (also featuring Declan McLaughlin, who's new album can be found in Cool Discs), Paddy has since gone on to form the Happy Enchiladas, who have, in the past thirteen years, released three albums that surely rank among the best produced within the city.

Album number one, 'When We Were Brave', introduced the world to the Happy Enchiladas with such classics as 'BT48', 'Martin' and 'Billy Bragg Jeans'. This was followed up with 'Times of Transition', featuring that legendary kazoo solo from Diane Greer on 'Rubber Bullets'.

The most recent album from the group, 'Laughter and Love', came in 2015 and gave us one of the most epic Happy Enchilada tracks with closer 'Stop Me From Dreaming'. Since then, Paddy has released the solo album 'Gate Fever', which continues this winning streak of excellent albums.

Paddy Nash's albums (both Enchilada and solo) can be found in Cool Discs.

Bronagh Gallagher

Next up is one of Derry's most committed artists, the incredible Bronagh Gallagher. With an acting career spanning over three decades and a musical career of almost twenty years, Bronagh is certainly one of the city's most most talented exports.

First making her mark in 'The Commitments', she has since gone onto appear in such films as 'Pulp Fiction', 'A Bump Along The Way' and 'Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace'.

As well as this, she has appeared in Sky One's 'Brassic' since 2019.

Musically, Bronagh has released three incredible albums and is one of the best live acts I've had the pleasure of seeing.

Bronagh Gallagher

Her first album, 2004's 'Precious Soul', gave the world the iconic 'Johnny Eagle', while 2012's self-titled follow up produced the epic tales 'Mink and Llama' and 'Mexico'. Her most recent album, 2016's 'Gather Your Greatness' continues to show the world Bronagh's phenomenal talent, particularly on epic closer 'Heal Me'.

Bronagh Gallagher's albums are also available in Cool Discs.

Brother Ray

Next up is Brother Ray aka Raymond Nicell. A regular at Bennigan's Open Mic night, Brother Ray has made a bit of a splash on the local scene in recent years.

His single 'Eagle of Toledo' has, so far, gotten over 20,000 views on YouTube. This past week also saw the release of the sequel 'Eagle of Toledo Part 2'.

As well as this, Brother Ray has worked with Eoin O'Callaghan and Paul Casey, with a number of these collaborations available on his official YouTube channel.

Brother Ray's debut album 'Eagle of Toledo and Other Non-Cycling Songs' is available for streaming now. CDs are also available on request. For more information message me on Facebook or Instagram.

The Undertones

Finally, we come to the men, the myths, the legends. The group responsible for creating some of Derry's most iconic songs, recognisable the world over, The Undertones.

Bursting onto the scene with 'Teenage Kicks' in 1978, the group went on to become probably the best punk band to come out of Ireland.

In the following years, they continued to release classic after classic, with songs such as 'My Perfect Cousin', 'You've Got My Number (Why Don't You Use It)' and 'It's Going to Happen'.

The group disbanded in 1983 after releasing four albums, before reuniting in 1999 with new singer Paul McLoone and releasing two more albums.

These days, the group continues to play sold out shows around the world and have, in recent years, shared bills with groups such as the Buzzcocks, The Killers, Touts and TRAMP.

This year, on the 24th November, they'll be playing the Millennium Forum to mark 45 years of 'Teenage Kicks', with support from Neville Staple of the Specials, The Outcasts and a DJ set from Terri Hooley.

So, that's it for this week. Time for the socials. Paddy Nash can be found on Facebook and Instagram @thenashman, Bronagh Gallagher @bronaghgallagher and The Undertones @theundertones.official.