One of the most rewarding things about running this website is that I am introduced to musicians I would not be likely to meet (either in person or virtually). David King, an Irish blues and soul guitarist and singer, is one such musician.

David King (Official Photo)

David recently released his début album, Ruirteach Blues, and I am thoroughly enjoying listening to it. The songs range from the hard Delta blues of ‘Down in Flames’ to the Chicago blues of ‘Juke Joint’ to the desert blues of ‘Lonesome Desert’.

David counts Led Zeppelin, Cream, Bob Dylan and Tim Buckley as his early influences; more recently, he has been inspired by such blues greats as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Robert Johnson and Son House.

The Delta and Chicago blues styles he loves are combined with his unique blend of Irish soul to create original vocal and guitar styles. David performs solo as well as with the support of his road band known as the Raging River Band.

“David King does what a lot of modern blues artists struggle to do. He makes complex chord progressions work in the blues format. These songs aren’t the same thing on a loop, there are breaks, bridges and different choruses.”  Ferdia Mooney, Pure M Mag 03.07.2015

You may purchase this album on iTunes. Perhaps if enough Americans purchase the album David can consider a tour here. For now, though, you will have to go to Dublin to hear him perform! I might have to arrange that!