Francie Conway
Francie Conway joined The Rockschool 1989 as a founder member, on invitation from The Arts
Council of Ireland. The policy was, the first Rockschool in Ireland should be fronted
by professionals from the music industry.
Francie signed a major recording contract with RCA Records London after a chance encounter in Spain with Chris White from The Zombies & Argent. Francie’s band included Russ Ballard (Argent), his songs have been recorded by Kiss, Rainbow, America, Santana.and Tim Renwick (Pink Floyd/ Mike and The Mechanics).
In 1984 Francie had a hit with “To The Edge Of Time” produced by John Woolloff and Chris White. The band were one of the highlights of the Paleo Festival, Nyon, Switzerland, 4,000 were expected at the gig, over 20,000 showed up. From the same album “One Night In Amsterdam” became a hit. It was mixed by David Richards in Mountain Studio, Montreux.
When the ‘’Wake Up’’ album was released, many songs were recorded by various artists. “Striking It Rich” was a title track for Stevie Wright (The Easy Beats) Australia who had a hit with “Friday On My Mind” the Young’s from this band went on to form AC/DC. Dolores Keane picked “Walking On Seashells” for her hit album Lion In A Cage produced by Bill Whelan composer of Riverdance. When The Fureys recorded ”Somewhere In Heaven”, Francie went on to join the band for a world tour and continues to perform with Finbar Furey.
Francie produced Women’s Aid featuring Eleanor McEvoy and Flo McSweeney (Moving Hearts), Spirit Of Ireland and the highly acclaimed (Q Magazine UK) Draiocht album, The Druid and The Dreamer as well as River to Sea, this album led to a series of concerts, including a sold out National Concert Hall, Dublin 2011.
For personal reasons Francie went ‘under the radar’ for a few years, returning to the recording scene with “A Drop of Irish Rain” featuring Ronnie Drew from The Dubliners and Finbar Furey from The Fureys. ‘’Welcome To America’ album followed produced by Mathew White ...yes, Chris White’s son.. one of the tracks received 74,000 downloads .The legendary Jan Akkerman from the band Focus is a guest on the album
Christmas 2011 Francie produced the song “Outbreak Of Peace” which was included in a special Christmas Peace Card. The card was sent with a personal message from Francie to world leaders.
At present Francie is writing and recording with David Richards, producer of Queen, David Bowie, Chris Rea etc. in Mountain Studios Montreux. Fronting and programming events for IMRO including ‘A Celebration of Christie Hennessy’.
Founder of Troubadour Club which provides a platform and network for songwriters , musicians and performers .A series of albums will be released from Troubadour Club in Ireland, USA, Sweden, Switzerland and Australia in 2012 / 13.
Yes it’s true…Alastair Campbell and Francie were once busking partners…Alastair was also Tony Blair’s right hand man.
The journey continues …………….
http://www.conwaygroove.com
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Modules: Popular Music - Form and Analysis, Songwriting Click above image for free download
