Maura O’Connell Remains a Nashville Treasure
In a city full of singers, Maura O'Connell remains one of Nashville's hidden treasures. She's been making records for about 25 years now, drawing upon stellar songwriters such as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Patty Griffin, John Hiatt and Cheryl Wheeler to populate her catalog. No, the Irish-born singer doesn't write songs or play guitar, but man oh man, she can deliver a lyric like few others.
I was lucky enough to hear her perform at Station Inn last week at her release party for Naked With Friends, her new a cappella album. When the Settles Connection harmonized her on "The Bright Blue Rose," I broke out in chill bumps and tears welled in my eyes. All those magnificent voices blended so beautifully, I can't remember the last time I heard anything so mesmerizing.
She mixed in a few of her favorite older songs, too, which prompted me to pull out her CDs from my files at home. If you've never heard of Maura O'Connell, start with this playlist and you'll understand why she's one of the most respected singers in Nashville.
"When Your Heart is Weak"
"Burning My Rowboat"
"When We Ran"
"Helpless Heart"
"Summerfly"
"Western Highway"
"The Blue Train"
"It Don't Bring You"
"Blue Chalk"
"Poetic Justice"
"Half Moon Bay"
"The Shades of Gloria"
"A Far Cry"
"I Wonder"
"Up and Flying"
"Going Down in Flames"
"The Bright Blue Rose"
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Sis says:
Who is this women
kayefun says:
Thanks Craig very very very much! I have your list copied and put into my note place and I’m gonna start looking to listen FAST!
solongsowrong says:
Real easy to find out. Check her official website, myspace page, or do a litle reseach on Wikipedia. She even has a CMT artist page. This is the way we grow in our music knowledge.
Warning though…. she’s not Kiddie Kountry.
Sis says:
Thanks for the info.
John Lane says:
I have always loved Maura O’Connell. I believe Dolly Parton and Alison Krauss are on her new album among many more well known artists. This woman has an unbelieveable delivery and ability to get into the core of a song and there are only a handful of people who can do that. GO MAURA!!!
Joan Black says:
I have never understood why this singing wonder hasn’t had a much higher profile! To see Maura live is an experience that will stay with you forever. I am a life long fan and always will be. I can’t praise Maura highly enough
Betty says:
As long as Craig is making a list of Maura’s great tunes (and it’s a great list), let’s add “Leaving Neidin,” “If You Love Me,” “Love’s Old Sweet Song,” “Feet of a Dancer,” and “My Irish Molly”. The legions of ardent Maura O’Connell fans are growing even as I write. Here, right here in Nashville, is a magnificently talented singer! Catch her next local appearance. Maura says this to encourage fans to show up for performances by other fine entertainers: “Miss it at your peril!” The same applies to her…miss her at your peril! For more information about Maura and her touring schedule, go to http://www.mauraoconnell.com
Steve Shortall says:
Just want to add to what everybody elso has said there about Maura. She is a phenomenal singer and performer! I had the please of seeing her live a few years ago and I’m still talking about it! To hear and see her is to love her!!(And believe me, I’m not easily impressed) Hope this album does really well for her. She deserves it!!!