Imelda May is a Little Bit Jazz and a Little Bit Rock n’ Roll

Imelda May and her guitarist, husband Darrel Higham, made their way to our new studio in NYC and stirred us all up playing songs from the latest album Mayhem. Growing up in Liberties section of Dublin, Ireland, Imelda benefited from having a large family in small living quarters (seven in two rooms), so one record player was shared by all. A balanced exposure of Jazz, R&B, Country, Blues, Rockabilly and traditional Irish music gave her a broad range of musical-styles that has helped shaped her musically and given her great direction in her career. It comes through big time on the new album with it’s mixture of styles. At an early age, her brother introduced her to artists like Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran and Buddy Holly and that helped open the doors to other musical genres she might have never heard.

Prior to Darrel teaming up with Imelda, the musical direction was jazz driven, led by the piano. Enter Darrel and his guitar playing brings in a rockabilly edge and even a post-punk flavor. This is exactly the way Imelda wanted it.

Interview:

Proud and Humble:

All For You:

Inside Out: