Kevin Barry Moore (born 23 May 1955), known professionally as Luka Bloom, is an Irish folk singer-songwriter. He is the younger brother of folk singer Christy Moore.

Early life

Kevin Barry Moore was born on 23 May 1955 in Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland.

Early career as Barry Moore

In 1969, 14 year old Barry Moore embarked on a tour supporting his eldest brother, Christy, at various English folk clubs. He subsequently spent all of his spare time practising and writing music. In 1976, Christy recorded one of his songs "Wave up to the Shore". In 1977, Barry Moore toured Germany and England as part of the group Inchiquin.

In 1978, Moore released his debut album, Treaty Stone. In 1979, having normally played guitar using a finger-picking technique, he was afflicted with tendinitis—forcing him to learn to play with a plectrum, which altered his guitar style.

In 2005, Bloom released the album Innocence. Some of the songs feature a new-found interest in Eastern European Romany music and other world music. The album features Bloom playing classical guitar, and the resonant plucking associated with that style of instrument. In his previous work, Bloom relied almost exclusively on steel-stringed guitars that created his distinctive style.

In 2007, Bloom released the album Tribe —a collaboration with County Clare musician Simon O'Reilly. O'Reilly composed the music and sent the recordings to Bloom for him to complete with lyrics and singing.

In February 2008, Bloom released a DVD titled The Man is Alive, featuring footage filmed in Dublin and at his home in Kildare, a question and answer session with fans, the documentary My Name is Luka, and a CD of music taken from the two performances.

In September 2008, Bloom released the album Eleven Songs, which featured an expanded ensemble of instrumentation, giving the album a distinct sound within his catalogue.

Discography

Albums

  • Treaty Stone (1978, as Barry Moore)
  • In Groningen (1980, as Barry Moore, with Eamon Murray)
  • No Heroes (1982, as Barry Moore)
  • Luka Bloom (1988, withdrawn)
  • Riverside (1990)
  • The Acoustic Motorbike (1992) AUS #39
  • Turf (1994) AUS #93
  • Everything about Luka Bloom
  • Luka Bloom guitar music (tabs)