Rocio Durcal Canta A Juan Gabriel CD

A native of Loughrea, and now living in Roscahill.

, Co. Galway Linda Welby has a very defined vision of where she is going and what is important to her in life.

As a composer, songwriter, multi instrumentalist and singer, Music has always been at the forefront for Linda.

' I love music and have a great interest in people with stories to tell of the older days of singing and music. I was brought up in a very musical house where local musicians would gather for song and dance sessions on a very regular basis. I love all the fleadhs and festivals and mixing with fellow musicians. I have been involved in bands since I was twelve years of age.

' Linda's grandfather Paddy Doorhy played with the first Ballinakill ceile band and was known throughout Ireland having won many musical awards. Linda's Dad also played drums with accordion player Joe Burke for many years. Linda says,'Dad is totally my inspiration and hero'.

Linda's career is driven by her passion for adventurous meaningful compositions and in persuing this passion her musicianship and mastery of arrangement are broadly appreciated in the music industry. Linda has always kept her head and her heart despite her consistent rise and has no need for elaborate vocal embellishments to get her message across. Linda's cool, clear, soulful voice has always worn its emotions in the open.

Her goal is to continually offer something new and different. 'I don\'t know whether you would call it ambition, but I certainly have a strong determination to suceed'.

Linda for many years has had the uncanny ability of being able to very successfully manage raising a family, co-ordinating several work projects as well as dedicating time to continued education.

Linda's pure interest in people is clearly evident in her very approachable and friendly manner. She volunteers on a regular basis in old folks homes and her music and songs bring joy to many people. 'I sing because I love it and I do feel that any success that I have had has not changed me as a person. I like to keep things as normal as possible in my life because that is just the way I am. I am very lucky to be able to enjoy family life and to be also a part of a local community'.

Who are your musical inspirations?' My favourite singers, I have quite a few. I like all types of music including sean nos, traditional and continental music with Pat Boone and Glen Millar having a particular 1950's influence on my style. My songs tell a story of real people in real times, stories that are true for a lot of people not just me, I believe that is why people of all ages connect with them'Many of the songs in this new collection are earnest ballads. 'The song Mother is a dedication to my mum similar to Dear Dad some years back. Both are dedicated to my parents as I cannot express in words how proud I am of both of them as they did so much for us all'.

'The Galway Fiddler is an interesting song as for me it represents the real talent that can be found on the side of the street that isn't always showcased in the music industry'.