Live Review at Finnegan's, Wexford

April 2005

Next up was Jon Leahy from Cork, who blew everyone away with his punchy alternative acoustic style, sort of Billy Idol meets Luka Bloom. "Ladders and Snakes" was the opener and for someone who is only in his early twenties, Jon showed a high level of maturity in this song about the ups and downs of life/love etc. The life affirming "Everything Is Fine" continued this engrossing set. Jon’s songs are cleverly arranged and executed to perfection with thrilling guitar licks and powerful vocals.

The Pierce Turner like "The Jealous Housemate" finished this Wexford Songclub debut in fine style, showing much of the energy and lyrical diversity that characterises the said Mr Turner. Jon will be recording later in the year and promises to return to Finegan’s in the not too distant future. Watch out for him in Gorey and Waterford, where he will be strutting his stuff at the songclubs there. In the meantime, for the best in alt acoustic rock visit wwwjonleahy.net where there is a download and more information.

By Ian Barry