Soul Sister

Bobbie Carey, lead singer of soul and R&B band Soul Deluxe, hails from the US state of Rhode Island. Her rendition of Jeff Buckley's Hallelujah will make the hairs stand on the back of your neck. For Bobbie, that song encompasses all that life and love is about - plenty of hard knocks and exciting challenges that must be carefuly negotiated "a bit like New York City".

This American soul singer who now lives in Kilkenny is passionate about what she does. When on stage she belongs to her audience, engaging them with songs such as Van Morrison's Crazy Love or Aretha Franklin's The House that Jack Built.

Bobbie grew up in a musical household. Her mother played the poano, her father sang and her aunt was a professional pianist. Her sister Carol Ferrera is also a performing artist who has played Kilkenny.

The family moved from New England on America's East Coast to the Mid-West where Bobbie studied music at Indiana University where she was exposed to opera and jazz. Later she sang with a band in London called DaDa and regularly teamed up with jaz pianist Alan Claire, an inspiring mentor who played with Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra.

By day Bobbie is often spotted cycling in Kilkenny with her daughter Isabella in tow, both wearing their safety helmets en route home from school. With her sulty mediterranean looks and full bodied vocal delivery she cuts an exotic figure that can hold her audience in a trance.

Her venues incluse Langton's in Kilkenny, Ruby's in Waterford and The Vic in Tramore. A popular choice for corporate dos and weddings that are a little bit unconventional she is often booked months in advance.

10 March 2006: The Kilkenny People