BELFAST based jazz artist Kyron Bourke kicked off the Christmas music programme in Berts Jazz Bar in style, with the launch of his single ‘Christmas at the Airport’ this week.
Well-known musician, Kyron, who programmes the eclectic jazz programme at Berts and takes to the stage every weekend with The Berts All Stars (Saturday) and The Sazeracs (Sunday), launched his soulful jazz and blues infused single, which tells a personal story of heartbreak and loss. The single includes some of the most talented players in Irish soul, jazz and country and is the product of an album initially produced three years ago, as a collaborative project between Kyron Bourke and the late Mudd Wallace, one of the most influential names on the local music scene.
The lyrics to ‘Christmas at the Airport’ were inspired by a challenging time for Kyron, who donated a kidney to his younger brother Brendan, who subsequently passed away in December 2012. Out of this tremendous grief came a new sense of creativity for the artist, allowing Kyron to focus all of his efforts into creating an album alongside producer Mudd Wallace, which was launched the following year. However, in another cruel twist of fate, Mudd Wallace passed away in 2015, leaving Kyron with an even greater sense of loss. In a touching tribute to his brother and Mudd Wallace, Kyron decided to revisit the album and release ‘Christmas at the Airport.’
Commenting at the launch, Kyron said:
“People we’re always asking me about the album and what had become of it. After three years, I decided it was time to work on it again and had interest from a new digital record company so it has all taken off from there.
“The song is a story of heartbreak, loss and personal sacrifice. A story that will resonate with anyone who has said goodbye to a loved one and I hope that it will strike a chord with those who, like myself, find Christmas a particularly difficult time of year.”
Berts General Manager, Andrew Carson added:
“Kyron has been playing in Berts Jazz Bar for many years and organises our music programme too so it’s fitting that he has chosen Berts to launch this new single. ‘Christmas at the Airport’ is a touching song from a very talented musician.”
‘Christmas at the Airport’ has been released by PRISM Digital and is available on all popular download sites.
Jazz fans can hear Kyron Bourke perform live every Saturday and Sunday evening at Berts Jazz Bar. To find out more visit https://www.themerchanthotel.com/bars-restaurants/berts-jazz-bar/.
