Talented American singer M Ward for city show in May

M Ward’s forthcoming show in the Róisín Dubh on Sunday, May 13, is a potential contender for gig of the year.

Hailing from Portland, Oregon, Ward has a songbook that sets him apart, and he’s also been involved in some very interesting collaborations.

His eighth studio album, More Rain, released in 2016, features his trademark melodies and his gentle voice, while the arrangements have the atmosphere of classic 1960s recordings.

Pirate Dial is a gem of a track. Clocking in at just under three minutes, it’s poppy, breezy and very listenable-to.  These are traits that run through much of Ward’s work.

If you’re looking for a good place to start with his songs, then seek out 2009’s sublime Hold Time. It has an old-school, Buddy Holly feel in places and has so many great tracks it almost feels like a ‘best of’.

Country singer Lucinda Williams makes a winning cameo on that album on Ward’s version of Neil Young’s Oh Lonesome Me. Hold Time is a great record, and hopefully will feature at his Róisín show.

M Ward is also part of the supergroup Monsters of Folk, alongside Jim James from My Morning Jacket and Conor Oboerst, who’s better known as Bright Eyes. And he also works with Zooey Deschanel (the lead in hit sitcom New Girl) on the She & Him project.

Doors 8pm, tickets €20/€18 members.