Jeff Buckley was one of the rare artists who actually changed the way singers used their voices. He was all about adventure and sensitivity, taking his art beyond the usual restraints. You can hear his impact on the likes of Thom Yorke, Ed Sheeran and Chris Martin. There was only one proper studio album released during his short life (1966-1997) but the music endures. And thankfully, there are a series of Irish voices and experiences that were part of the story. In this archive feature, we hear about his affinity for the singer Glen Hansard and their shared love for the music of Van Morrison. We talk to old friend Bronagh Gallagher about Jeff’s ethereal character and the thrill of hearing him record his ‘Live At Sin E’ record in an Irish bar in New York. We also remember how he impacted with Belfast in 1994, charming his audience and laughing over some moments of cultural confusion.
Stuart Bailie