IF I TOLD YOU..… STORIES Recorded at Ashtown Studios, Dublin by Tommy O Sullivan & The Music Room, Clontarf by David Hayes. Mixed by Ciarán Byrne at The Cauldron Studios, Dublin. Mastered by Ciarán Byrne Arranged and Produced by David Hayes. Piano / Keys : David Hayes Guitars: John Mc Loughlin Whistles: Declan Masterson Bouzouki: Declan Masterson Concertina: Declan Masterson Trombone: Karl Ronan Kit / Percussion : Paul Mc Ateer El. Bass / Dbl. Bass: Gerry Kavanagh BVs: Landi Oshinowo & Lara Martin Guest Vocals: * Irene Malone ** Ciara Butler Design: Yvonne Cronin Graphics: Marie Dinan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I guess this album has been a long time in the making - both in terms of the recording project itself, and also, the long road of life’s experiences that necessarily preceded it. I hope you feel it was worth the wait. I was lucky enough to have a birdseye view from several perspectives. The one that gives me most satisfaction, is actually listening back. It’s a rare thing indeed to encounter someone with such proficiency and versatility in equal measure. And a “ghra” for serious dialogue on interpretation and performance. And the ability to achieve a myriad of colours and the most subtle nuance. And a studio technique that was a joy to behold. There isn’t a note nor word sung on this album that wasn’t parsed on several levels - firstly in macro and subsequently in the minutest of detail. (In fact, on more than one occasion, there was a pause to gather oneself, proceedings having been brought to a halt by an exquisite take that saw several tears shed!). And the most rewarding aspect, is that on listening back, the vocal flows beautifully and often appears just effortless. You can almost see the man in front of you, as he tells you……. each story. I sincerely hope you enjoy the fruits of our joint labours, and my deepest thanks to our good colleagues who contributed their talents so givingly, and most especially to Liam himself, for his trust. Cheers David “Long threatening comes at last”. A phrase I’ve heard so many times while living in Carrick-on-Suir. It has taken 10 years or more, for this CD to come to fruition from the first thoughts, to what you can hear now. For me it was worth the wait, I hope you will think so too. So many people to thank for the opportunity to record this, and also for the gift of talents during the recording. Firstly, to those friends and family who showered me with financial gifts for my 40th birthday, which was the foundation for this project. To my nephew Ted for the accommodation during studio days in Dublin. To Denis & Eilish Hayes for the soup, tea and sandwiches that helped us through the long hours. To all the wonderfully talented musicians and singers for their hard work, specially Irene and Ciara. My god daughter Marie for her graphics expertise. The artistic gift of a great friend, Yvonne. What can I say about ‘The Maestro’, David Hayes?…… From the first contact with him to ask if he was interested in working with me on the CD, to the final days of ‘fixing the mix‘. David’s unequalled talent of teasing out an interpretation of a song that you never even considered is every singers dream. Everyday in studio was a joy. So my sincerest thanks to a‘Musical Magician’ and a great friend. Finally, to my extended family, and most importantly, my close family, Breda, Odharnaith and Ciara for the love and understanding to let me ‘Live the Dream’. Without them you wouldn’t be reading this. This CD is dedicated to the memory of my dad Christy and Billy Healy ‘Always looking after us’ Liam Butler