Luka Bloom | Artist
Kevin Barry Moore aka Luka Bloom is an Irish folk singer-songwriter born 1955 in Newbridge, Ireland. He is the younger brother of folk singer Christy Moore, and changed his name in 1987 when he moved to the US and began performing using the stage name of "Luka Bloom". Starting out in 1969, the 14 year old Barry Moore embarked on a tour supporting his eldest brother, Christy, at various English folk clubs. He subsequently spent all of his spare time practicing and writing music. In 1976, Christy recorded one of his songs "Wave up to the Shore". In 1977, Barry Moore toured Germany and England as part of the group Inchiquin. Three albums were released under the name Barry Moore; 1978's Treaty Stone, Barry Moore and Eamon Murray - In Groningen from 1980 and No Heroes from 1982. In 1988, after changing his name, Bloom released a self-titled album which was later withdrawn at his request. The first true Luka Bloom album was the excellent Riverside (1990) which reflected the artist's time living and performing in New York City. The album also included the song "The Man Is Alive" which became a Bloom staple. In 1991, Bloom returned to Dublin to record The Acoustic Motorbike, which included a cover version of LL Cool J's "I Need Love". The cover song was reviewed by Rolling Stone magazine, noting that "the prospect of a folksy Irish rocker covering a rap ballad may seem strange, but experimenting with different forms is precisely what keeps established traditions vital." Bloom has gone on to record 19 studio albums to-date, including standouts Riverside (1990), The Acoustic Motorbike (1992), Turf (1994), Between the Mountain and the Moon (2002) and Innocence (2005). His sound blends emotive lyricism with strands of traditional Irish melodies interwoven with modern day singer-songwriter pop music. As a matter of interest, the artist chose the name "Luka" from the title of Suzanne Vega's song about child abuse and "Bloom" from the main character in James Joyce's novel Ulysses.
Artist Website: lukabloom.com
Featured Albums: Luka Bloom
Related Artists: Christy Moore
Video Clips: I Love You So, The Man is Alive, I Need Love
