MUSIC Achill singer launches album in US jail

Achill singer launches album in US Jail


Country-gospel singer James Kilbane launched his latest album ‘Gravel & Grace’ in the unusual setting of Grafton Prison in Ohio last month. On Sunday, March 11, the Achill Island singer and his band performed to an audience of prisoners and guards in the prison canteen, playing hits from The Rolling stones, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, along with many songs from the new album and earlier hits.
Kilbane was invited by the Grafton Prison inmates, who became fans of his work and music through the internet and word of mouth.
Grafton is a high-security prison, and some of the worst forms of crime have been committed by the prisoners there. “And I was made aware of that from the start,” says Kilbane. “A sense of their victims and the pain they had inflicted never left me, even standing in front of them. But I felt I needed to be there and recognise their dignity as human beings and acknowledge that they were loved by God no matter what. It was an honour to be invited.”
One prisoner in the front row of the audience made a particular impact on him. “I was singing, and he was staring continually at me. I felt disconcerted and decided I would try and reach out to him. I moved to my Irish songs and noticed he was wearing a green baseball cap with a shamrock on it. I referred to him as ‘my Irish friend and [he] was totally transformed. The wall between us crumbled, and I think it was because he felt acknowledged and that I cared.”
Kilbane sang for almost two hours and received a standing ovation. He also spent time learning about the prison which has innovative programmes for over 2,000 inmates. Abandoned puppies are trained by prisoners and made available to families and communities. Others work on the prison farm or take part in education programmes.
‘Gravel & Grace’ contains eleven contemporary country songs that include six Nashville originals alongside country classics recorded in this singer’s own unique style. 
Kilbane describes the tracks as ‘songs of faith, life and hope’. “The songs are for people who are struggling with life’s pressures like addiction, separation and exclusion. [The album] brings love and hope. It seemed to work for prisoners, staff and prison officials – I’ve been asked to play again later in the year.”