Liam Ó Maonlaí - On My Mind

To Be Touched' is the stunning new solo album from Liam Ó Maonlaí. It is a deep, rich, soulful collection of new piano-accompanied compositions. Recorded in Prague last July with the companionship and help of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, and funded by concerts the three of them performed there, 'To Be Touched' features Marketa on guest vocals along with the steady hand of Martin Brunsden on double bass.
Liam went into the studio with just three of the songs already written, the rest were born in the studio environment and continue to grow on this album.
From the light ease of 'Worry Not' and the intimacy of title track 'To Be Touched' the album exudes an atmosphere of calm and strength.
'To Be Touched' reintroduces Liam Ó Maonlaí as a songwriter of relevance and captures beautifully one of Ireland's greatest singers. Liam Ó Maonlaí has been inpsired by the great singers of the American plains. By the dance and ceremonial songs of the first nations of the continent of turtle island. By the pioneering folk, soul and blues musicians of modern USA. By the Arabic and Moorish expressions of divine love. By the pure tones of the Aboriginal people of Australia and by th egentle powerful music of West Papua. He made his career with rock and roll/soul music band Hothouse Flowers, this established his name as a singer of note in the soul/blues style. 'To Be Touched' is a birthing of his influences through the medium of song. He uses his first instrument the piano as a landscape for the wandering voice. Here are songs made of desire to open the heart and to share deep feelings.