Music is often shaped by the people we meet, the places we visit, and the experiences that leave a lasting mark on us. Roots, Branches & Leaves is a trilogy of EPs that explores those ideas through a collection of original tunes, traditional influences, beloved songs, and personal stories.
Recorded over nineteen weeks, the project traces my journey as a musician, songwriter, and producer. Each EP represents a different stage of growth. Roots reflects the people who influenced me as a young musician. Branches explores the songs and musicians that connected me to sessions, friendships, and musical communities. Leaves looks forward, featuring original songs inspired by change, reflection, and personal growth.
Roots
The first EP, Roots, is dedicated to local musicians and mentors who played a significant role in my musical development. The five tracks are all original compositions, and each is named after someone who influenced my journey.
Aidan’s Air is a slow air written in memory of my grand-uncle Aidan Prunty. Built around a haunting whistle melody, the tune is supported by piano and subtle string arrangements that allow the melody's emotion to shine through.
Barry’s Lament was composed for my friend and mentor Barry while he was in a coma. Sadly, Barry later passed away, making this one of the most personal pieces on the project. The arrangement remains intentionally sparse, with whistle, piano, and strings creating space for reflection.
Robbie McGleenan’s Jig is a lively jig written for my friend and fiddle player Robbie McGleenan. Featuring whistle, bouzouki, bass, bodhrán, piano, and guitar, the tune captures the energy and atmosphere of an Irish session.
Finnegan’s Groove takes inspiration from the innovative playing of Brian Finnegan. Combining whistle with electric guitar, bass, organ, percussion, and drums, the tune blends traditional influences with contemporary grooves.
Mick’s Rag honours the late Mick McCool, a mentor and supporter who had a profound impact on my musical life. Influenced by ragtime, jazz, and folk music, it features mandolin, acoustic guitar, whistle, double bass, and ride cymbal.
Branches
If Roots explores where the music came from, Branches focuses on the songs and connections that helped it grow.
Recorded live in the SRC Recording Studio with a full ensemble, the EP captures the atmosphere and spontaneity of live performance. The songs were chosen because of their personal significance and their connection to people, places, and musical experiences throughout my life.
Hard Times Come Again No More recreates the feeling of a traditional folk session, featuring vocals alongside guitar, banjo, fiddle, piano, harmonica, drums, and double bass.
Paradise, written by John Prine, holds special significance for me as one of the first songs of his I ever heard. The track features my grand-uncle Michael Prunty on lead vocals and includes memorable solos from Robbie McGleenan and Packie Hughes.
Old Shoes (& Picture Postcards) by Tom Waits is a song I’ve performed for years, from local gigs to blues clubs in Berlin. The arrangement brings a fresh energy while remaining true to the spirit of the original.
Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright presents a slower interpretation of Bob Dylan’s classic, featuring a rich arrangement of acoustic instruments, piano, harmonica, soprano saxophone, bass, and drums.
A Song For The Life closes the EP with a full-band arrangement inspired by The Waterboys, complete with accordion, piano, saxophone, and driving rhythm section.
Leaves
The final EP, Leaves, represents the newest stage of my musical development. Unlike the previous projects, it consists entirely of original songs and explores themes of change, hope, love, and personal reflection.
No Winners In War is a thoughtful song questioning the human cost of conflict and the futility of war.
Ain’t Gonna Worry No More takes a more optimistic approach, encouraging listeners to let go of worries and embrace life one day at a time.
How I Really Feel is one of the most intimate songs on the project, addressing mental health struggles while maintaining a sense of hope for better days ahead.
One Too Many examines the consequences of overindulgence and the lessons learned from it.
Finally Found You is a love song about discovering someone special and struggling to find the words to express those feelings.
The People Behind the Music
One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was the opportunity to collaborate with talented musicians, engineers, and industry professionals.
The Roots EP featured contributions from Damien Shields on bass and Paddy Craig, who assisted with drum programming.
The Branches EP brought together a larger team, including recording engineer Declan Legge, assistant engineer Aaron Beattie, and photographer Matt Duke. Featured performers included Michael Prunty on lead vocals and five-string banjo, Robbie McGleenan on fiddle, Bob Hunt on soprano saxophone, Michael Diamond on guitar and backing vocals, Ryan Beagan on double bass, Aidan McGillion on drums, Gordon Seaton on piano and accordion, and Pascal Hughes on Harmonica.
Looking Forward
Roots, Branches & Leaves is more than a collection of recordings. It is a reflection on the people, places, and experiences that have shaped me as a musician. From the influences of my early years, through the friendships and musical connections that helped me grow, to the original songs that represent where I am today, the trilogy captures a snapshot of an ongoing musical journey.
Every tune, every song, and every collaboration forms part of that story.
The first EP, Roots, will be released this Autumn, followed by my second EP, Branches in Winter.