Monroe’s host folk hero Freddie White

Cork singer Freddie White, who plays Monroe’s this Saturday, May 16, is one of Ireland’s finest performers, who has built a reputation for his unique interpretations of songs by writers such as Randy Newman, Tom Waits, John Hiatt and Guy Clark, as well as for his own compositions.

Freddie White grew up in a musical family, and in 1964, by the age of 13 he was playing in school bands. By 17, he had turned professional. Two years later, he moved to London, where he busked in the Underground, developing his unique voice and guitar style.

He went on to form the popular folk-rock/jazz fusion group Scullion with Philip King and Sonny Condell in 1974, and later, he set up the Freddie White Band.

Freddie has been involved in Ireland’s live music scene since the 1970s, touring regularly and with many well-received albums to his credit. Along the way he has collaborated with songwriters like Jimmy McCarthy and Jim Barrett. In addition to offering fine interpretations of other people’s songs, he is also a well-recognised songwriter.

Freddie latest album Better Days (2014) is a collection of 10 original songs, nine of them written by Freddie and his wife Trish. The album was recorded in Sydney, Australia, where the couple have lived since 2011.

His Monroe’s show promises to be an evening of quality songs and singing. Doors 8.30pm, tickets €20/€18.