Matt McGinn – Lessons of War
Matt McGinn is a musician from Northern Ireland. A few years back he was inspired to make a record called Lessons of War. He wrote and co-wrote the 10 songs on the album, and they are sure to move you. The album came out in 2020 just as Covid hit the world, so the tour for the album was cancelled. Performers include Matt of course, but also John McCullough on piano and Hammond, Colm McClean on guitar, Jon Thorne on bass, Matt Weir on drums, Barry Kerr on flute and Barry Walsh on accordion. Also beautiful vocals from Ciara O’Neill, Ria Maguire, and Ciaran Lavery. Also Yazan Ibrahim, a Flamenco guitarist from the Golan Heights, Citizens of the World, a London based choir of refugees, and percussionist Seydu from Sierra Leone.
These songs address one of humanity’s most enduring problems, our own violence. The music is life affirming and wonderful! Matt, himself, is a person of conscience whose own life informs this collection of songs.
• Documentary Film Lessons of War
Music by: Matt McGinn and friends
Podcast: Download (Duration: 57:39 — 132.4MB)
An exceptional interview! in which I found out so much about Matt and the background to this wonderful album. I would recommend everyone to listen to this interview,. Matt is a fine singer and songwriter! His song, What have We Learned I has all the gravitas of a John Prine classic. My favourite, ‘Bubblegum’ , blows me away every time so it was especially lovely to hear the background and serendipity. Thanks Baruch.! xx* Paradigms is the best show on the wireless / net!