What an amazing Italian tour we had! I went over with Jim Fitting (of Sessions Americana) on harp and picked up my bass playing brother James (who was in the middle of a monthlong theatre tour in Prague/Venice) and a great new friend/drummer Diego Sapignoli. Together we were the Euro trash version of Mule Variations. Ten shows in twelve days. Some big festivals with thousands of people, some funky outdoor house concerts, and several piazza gigs with hundreds of people (and two gigs for the Socialists-!). We covered ground from the base of the Italian Alps to ancient Rome. We had several AutoStrada meals, no flat tires. And endless bad jokes and sarcastic ribbing. My brother and I are awful together. It’s non stop, but Jim was a good sport. The last week was back to 100 degree weather during the day. Sound checks in the blazing sun. But by the time we played it had cooled down and somehow every seat was filled every place we went. Magic, just like the countryside and the people. They were patient with my Italian but appreciative of any anti fuck head diatribes however butchered. They know all about corrupt politicians, and were happy to support us in our temporary escape. I’ve been to Italy a bunch since we lived there but hadn’t been back on a music tour for several decades. Still people showed up with CD’s from those days, stories and requests for old songs like “The Arms of Indifference” which I appreciated but couldn’t make it through the first chorus. Jim had fans from his last several tours with Sessions, and we made a whole new group of friends and some great connections with local promoters. People bought CD’s, too! I sold everything I brought over and a boat load of Italian releases on New Shot Records that my friend Renato Bottani released https://newshotrecords.com/products/kevin-connolly.

‘HE WILL AMAZE YOU!’- REVIEW OF ‘NO WHERE’ IN AMERICANA UK (Dean Nardi)

Anyone who’s caught Kevin Connolly’s live act knows he’s rarely at a loss for words. Speaking his mind like a street-corner preacher, the folk bard uses the stage as a pulpit for his witty wordcraft, both in song and between-song banter, all without coming off as a know-it-all. This chronicler at the fretboard of life writes beyond any sense of restraint or convention, and calls upon his uncanny ability to craft powerful verse. Connolly can describe anything with more imagination and passion than most songwriters. But primarily, he’ll amaze you with his ability to entertain.

On his latest release, “No Where,” he wastes no time in establishing the album’s tone, offering up the lyrical double negative in the very first chorus. Nobody says too much anymore with nowhere to go, he states, guiding listeners into a collection of literate gems that thematically pick up where the rest of his discography left off, with an engaging critique of both life and the people in his world.

He portrays in “No Where” perhaps a self-consciously serious tone. Recorded in one setting, mostly live, the album is an unedited snapshot of Connolly’s headspace, a preoccupation with longing and doubt blanketing the record. As a result, the songs feel fresh and honest, weaving strong material with a strong guitar-and-voice folk vibe.  FULL ARTICLE https://americana-uk.com/tag/kevin-connolly