Album Review: Tony McLoughlin - Ride the Wind (Self Release)

Well travelled and clued-up musically, songwriter Tony McLoughlin delivers his fourth album Ride the Wind, the first to be recorded on home turf and with a handful of fellow countrymen. Gathering together a fine supporting cast of Irish musicians such as Ben Reel on guitars, Ronnie O'Flynn on bass and percussion, Michael Black on drums and John McCullogh on keyboards, the kindred spirit approach seemed to pay off in the studio, the studio in question being Attick Studios in Monaghan. With Ben Reel at the helm, a highly charged and cohesive collection of songs resulted, each with a tight and 'together' arrangement.

Originally from Newry, County Down, McLoughlin has travelled back and forth between Ireland and Nashville, developing a keen ear for the harder edge of country music with a distinctly bluesy feel. Whilst songs such as Not Too Far From Memphis and Deep Under Your Spell demonstrate this inherent understanding of the blues, Treeline and Mothers Son maintain a contrasting country/pop feel.

When not brandishing his trusty telecaster, McLoughlin donates much of his time on conservation endeavours, taking to the high seas in search of dolphins, whales and sea turtles, for all intents and purposes, riding the wind.