Pierce Turner

The Grand Social, Dublin Thurs 9pm €15 01-8740090 thegrandsocial.ie

Let’s hear it for the fringe recording artist that is Pierce Turner. The Wexford singer and performer has history with Irish rock (as a member of much-admired Major Thinkers, who featured on the recent Strange Passions collection, which gathered forgotten gems from Ireland’s early 1980s’ post-punk acts), NYC avant- garde (he’s mates with Philip Glass), classy songwriters (Christy Moore’s I Love the Way Pierce Turner Sings) and film- makers (as the subject of Colin Murnane’s 2007 documentary, The Song for the Year).

In truth, Turner is something of a maverick. And because he’s one of these often forgotten artists, he tends to be shoved into a ditch and covered with whatever detritus a passing lorry throws over him. Not this year, though – a new album, Songs from a Verry Small Orchestra (see review, page 14), will surely raise his profile yet again. For how long remains to be seen, but right now, there’s a nonconformist in town. Perhaps it’s time you acquainted yourself with him?

Can’t See That? Catch This

Royal Wood Sun, Dublin