In O’Connell & Love, “Alabama 3 singer Larry Love and songwriting partner Brendan O’Connell team up again, and variety is the spice of their musical life …. there’s definitely more than a hint of magic in the air.” (Daily Mirror)
Larry and Brendan first collaborated on Alabama 3’s debut album Exile On Coldharbour Lane (1997, One Little Indian). Their first album together was Ghost Flight (2006, One Little Indian), released under the name Robert Love and credited by Kris Kristofferson as “one of the finest debut albums I’ve ever heard”.
Their first release as O’Connell & Love was Minesweeping (2015, Mountmellick Music), an eclectic box of songwriting treasures that was well received by fans and critics alike.
“Larry Love of Alabama 3 and Brendan O’Connell have been making music for years, and Minesweeping is evidence that the collaboration works… This is a strong album that would boost anyone’s music collection. “ (Press Association & Regional Press)
“When you get a great vocalist, brilliant song writing, interesting musicians and a range of influences coming together like this, the whole really is greater than the sum of the already considerable parts.“ (Pennyblackmusic)
Over the last 6 years, O’Connell & Love have continued to hone their songwriting skills, and taken their time in crafting 12 captivating new tracks. They could not be prouder to releaseWill You Be There?, showcasing the extent to which they have developed as a songwriting duo.
Joining O’Connell & Love on Will You Be There? are featured guest vocalists June Miles-Kingston (backing vocals Fun Boy Three, The Communards, Big Country), Stephanie Clift,Sheena Ross (Alabama 3) and guest musicians Gill Morley (Soul II Soul), John Eacott (Loose Tubes, Test Dept, Stereo MCs, Goldie) and Fernando di Marco (Aca Seca, Vento em Madeira, Thomas Clausen Brazilian Quartet)
There are lyrics about the desperate risks taken by refugees, the division and polarization that splits society down the middle, the need to stand up and be counted, the tragedy of addiction, the end of an affair, … but there is humour too, and tenderness, a feeling of joy and a reminder to savour each moment. Combine all that with a compelling, rhythmic swing and this album is truly uplifting.
