In september 2019, Canadian Blues singer Kalyna Rakel finished a European tour by visiting Ireland to play two shows at the Clonakilty International Guitar Festival. On arrival in West Cork the weather was bleak. I was introduced to Kalyna in De’Barra’s Folk Music Venue, base camp for the festival. I couldn’t help but tell her all about West Cork when the sun shines. “You won’t believe it down here when the weather is good. It’s like nowhere else in the world” I talked about the pseudo subtropical coast, the turquoise sea, ancient megalithic sites, luscious green fields, cows. “If it’s sunny tomorrow, we should make a video”. Not expecting it to be the sunniest day of 2019, which it became. I had to put my lens where my mouth was. We made a video, and thanks to our drivers Vic, Ronan and Jules, turquoise sea, megalithic ruins, green fields and cows all manifested before our eyes. The perfect day out in West Cork.
Contact: https://www.kalynarakel.com/contact
“The dozen originals on Before & After You announce a new roots-rock voice has arrived. Whether she is tearing up the highway on Yellow-Blue or crooning like a mix of Amy Winehouse and Rickie Lee Jones on My First Love Song, Rakel sounds completely in control of her voice and message.” – VANCOUVER SUN
“Her velvet voice and soulful melodies are as pleasing as it gets, and her lyrics are both intimate and inspirational.” – KEEP WALKING MUSIC, MADRID
“She sings in a way that feels so raw and natural and that is entirely unique to her. With every note she sings, the listener gets a feeling of unbridled authenticity…. real without ever alienating listeners; something I haven’t felt since Lily Allen.” – STEREO STICKMAN
“Kalyna Rakel sent out soul shivers into the hearts of her intent listeners” – FOLK MUSIC ONTARIO (WEBSITE 2019)
Myles O'Reilly's Arbutus Yarns 2010 - 2020 
Lovely. Quite lovely. And Kalyna’s blues pace just suits my mood entirely. Thankyou for the beautiful musical day out in Clonakilty.