Raving For Bap

Bap Kennedy's music to be celebrated in new release fundraising for Marie Curie. "I didn't know how many people have been touched by my songs. It's what I always wanted. Not money. Not fame. I always wanted people to feel what I feel. The magic of music." Bap Kennedy... The music of much-loved Belfast singersongwriter Bap Kennedy is being celebrated with a new release. All profits from the release will be going to Belfast's Marie Curie Hospice where Bap passed away after a short and brave fight with cancer in November 2016. The 5-track E.P., which features original cover art by acclaimed County Antrim artist Kenny McKendry and poignant sleevenotes from respected Belfast music journalist Stuart Bailie, will be available on limited edition 10". The record includes songs from Bap's solo career as well as his years as frontman for Energy Orchard and is being released on the Farm Music label. The project is a collaboration between Brighton-based Belfast expat Brian Bell and Oxford/Sussex band The Dreaming Spires with multi-instrumentalist Joe Bennett (Copilgrim, Saint Etienne, Dreaming Spires) handling production duties. Bap's sister Marian Bunton began fundraising for the Marie Curie Hospice in Bap's memory at the beginning of 2017 by taking on the challenge of abstaining from alcohol for a year and proceeds from 'Raving for Bap' will be added to the £2,000 + Marian has already raised. The target is to raise a joint total of £5,600 by Bap's 56th birthday on June 17th. The band have created a cool 60s American West Coast sound and Bap would have loved it!" Brenda Boyd Kennedy, Bap's widow... "This is how to celebrate an artist. Bap's musicality was so strong and his songs so expertly crafted. These sparkling renditions of those songs pay tribute to his craft beautifully. Bap's music will live on forever thanks to records like this. I just know Bap would love this. He was a man of taste after all!" - Ralph McLean, BBC Radio Ulster