Flannery & SON

Powerhouse vocalist SON and acclaimed singer-songwriter Mick Flannery have won Best Original Folk Track of The Year for their duet, 'Baby Talk' at the third annual RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards.

The song was produced and arranged by Tony Buchen in Los Angeles and has since led Flannery and SON (Susan O’Neill) to record an entire album of duets together.

Flannery is known for writing songs that are fluent in expressing layered aspects of the human condition, its flaws, triumphs, and general uncertainty.

The sum is greater than the parts when matched with SON, whose soulful, husky vocals are on full display, resulting in an affecting ballad of he said, she said.

Speaking after the win, Mick says he’s very grateful and that it feels good to know a song he’s so fond of has been received so well.

“I was delighted that Susan liked it, and was willing to sing it, as I feel her voice makes it what it is. I’m very much looking forward to its release. Working with Susan, Tony, Christian Best, and all involved has made the last year pass much more easily than it might have.”

Susan adds: “It's been really class to be a part of the recording of 'Baby Talk'. Thank you, Mick, for asking me to sing on it and to RTE Radio 1 for acknowledging it. I’m feeling very grateful.”

Following its studio recording, the song was recording live with the Cork Opera Orchestra, arranged by Cormac McCarthy and conducted by John O’Brien.

A video of the performance can be found on YouTube.

There’s something exciting about seeing a chart-topping artist at the top of his craft, with his familiar heavy-hearted approach to the verse, met by a fresh-faced, wise beyond her years new talent, that makes the song so compelling.

Mick Flannery and SON’s album of duets will be released in summer 2021. To stream or download 'Baby Talk', visit shor.by/WKxL.