Music from the Heart

Peter O'Toole - Leaving White Cedar

Everybody deals with current situation differently. For musicians and arts in general, it's not the best of times but perhaps having more time on your hands boosts the creativity? That is certainly the case of Hothouse Flowers multi-instrumentalist Peter O'Toole who used the time given in a productive way and recorded his first ever solo album at home. Would you believe he hasn't released anything of his own before? Well, some talents remain hidden till it's their time to shine. Skilled musician and gifted songwriter sneaks a song or two in a set at gigs, his talent is given more space to reveal itself when he tours together with Liam Ó Maonlaí. But it was during lockdown he let his creativity flow freely and the result is a stunning album of 10 songs on 10 instruments, played by one man, recorded on one mic.

There is a saying that the songs are everywhere and the only thing you need to do is to catch them and O'Toole did just that. 

Cows and Crows, played on tin whistle, catchy dance tune, shows strong trad influence.

Every Hothouse Flowers fan has seen Peter play bouzouki. It is probably something people asociate with him the most, despite the guitar.

Tipperary Cockreal is another proof of the talent that flourished during the tough time. Being creative is what keeps musicians sane during times like these. People might argue the uncertainty kills the creativity but the creative mind always has something to get away with.

Far Off Beautiful World is a touching ballad very appropriate to current climate, undoubtly inspired by what is going on. The world changes constantly and we are adapting to the new normal every day. There is a raw and chilling honesty in the song. Maybe because the listener realizes there's so much true in those words. O'Toole's vocal is consoling yet affirming that everything will be ok in the end. For some, that may sound far fetched but the chaos can't last forever.  "suddenly there is a change in the sky"

Not only Two horses but the whole album shows O'Toole as somebody able to paint a picture with just one instrument. And whose talent blossoms like a flower (no pun intended).

There are various interesting instruments used on the album including the space guitar on The Meditation Gate or zhongRuan on Butterfly Leaf. You can feel Irish trad influence yet again. It's never far away. It's in the blood.

I Wonder (What is Goin On) continues with the theme of change. this moment's gonna last forever

Wild Daffodills  bring another exciting twist and interesting instrument is being showcased. It is more electronic track, probably another sign of a new era?

This Heart is Your My Love is a beautifully arranged love song. The vocal is evocative yet the overall feel isn't exaggerated.

O'Toole also made a short film of ten tracks from Leaving White Cedar where he can be seen playing ten instruments on ten different songs. The film came about after O'Toole was granted the Covid Grant from The Arts Council Of Ireland. You can watch the film below

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