Noeleen on new CD from Stardust

A new CD from 'Stardust', with which Kilcullen's postmistress Noeleen Eston is a vocalist, has required a second pressing since it was released a couple of weeks ago, writes Brian Byrne. And that's before its formal launch planned for next month.

The CD — 'Nobody's Darling but Mine' — has 11 tracks which range from the Nino Rosso instrumental 'Ilsilenzio' through the Merle Haggard-penned title track to Wath Murphy's composition, the old and very favourite 'Rose of Mooncoin'. Vocals are by Noeleen and Joe, and instrumentals are from Joe's keyboard.

Stardust is a long O'Neill musical family tradition from Athy, currently led by the popular Joe O'Neill. Joe's father, also Joe, was the leader of the Stardust Orchestra which performed at dance venues all over the country during the 1940s and 1950s, alongside the greats like Mick Del and Maurice Mulcahy. Joe Snr also founded the St Joseph's Boys Band and later the CBS Brass and Reed Orchestra. When he died in 1989, he left a large family of musicians to carry on the musical work.

Noeleen has been with the band for a couple of years since they first heard her sing at a family gathering. With Joe's brother Kevin, the duo regularly perform at venues like the Manor Hotel in Abbeyleix, Eire Og in Carlow, and Napper Tandy's in Stradbally. "We also do weddings, and any kind of parties and functions. And since Joe took early retirement from Kildare County Council, we do a lot of nursing homes entertainment during the week."

'Nobody's Darling but Mine' is the kind of album that triggers memories and nostalgia, and maybe it's the current dark days of winter that is partly responsible for making it so popular even before it is officially launched. This is the time of year when we all need to be cheered up with thoughts of good times and good music.

It was recorded at the Orion studio in Co Wicklow.