Luka Bloom is the stage name of Barry Moore, an Irish folk singer-songwriter from Newbridge, Ireland, born in 1955. He is the younger brother of Christy Moore. He uses the name Luka Bloom to avoid the pressure of being identified primarily as Christy Moore’s brother, but he does not conceal that family connection.

Style and guitar playing

Bloom’s music is generally described as folk, with a folk-rock edge. His guitar style is a defining part of his work and is often described as electro-acoustic. He begins his career with a fingerpicking approach, but tendonitis in his hands forces him to change to a strumming style, which becomes closely associated with his sound and is often credited with helping his success. Earlier recordings feature steel-string guitars and his distinctive, energetic strumming, while later work includes a more classical guitar approach and the plucked sound associated with that instrument. His aubergine and yellow guitars are often introduced by name during performances.

Career

Bloom starts out in the United States, performing in small clubs in Washington, DC, and later in New York City. He becomes a regular performer in Greenwich Village, including appearances at the Lion’s Den and the Red Lion. At the Red Lion he performs with fiddle player Eileen Ivers during his Irishman in Chinatown tour, and Ivers also appears on the Riverside album. He tours America frequently through the 1990s, while later touring is mainly based in Europe. During a 2006 US tour he says he has become fond of playing in Eastern Europe.

Albums and songs

Bloom’s early albums include material that shows both his forceful strumming and his interest in cover versions. Riverside includes “Delirious” as its opening track. He continues to record cover songs throughout his career. The Acoustic Motorbike includes versions of LL Cool J’s “I Need Love” and Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love”. Keeper of the Flame, released in 2000, is an album of cover versions and includes ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”, Bob Marley’s “Natural Mystic” and Hunters and Collectors’ “Throw Your Arms Around Me”. He is known to introduce “Natural Mystic” in concert with a remark about similarities between Jamaicans and Irish people.

His 2004 acoustic mini-album Before Sleep Comes is recorded while he is recovering from tendonitis, and he says that its purpose is to help bring listeners closer to sleep. Innocence follows in 2005 and includes songs that reflect a new interest in Eastern European gypsy music and other world music. His most recent album listed here is Innocence.

Name and influences

The name Luka comes from Suzanne Vega’s song “Luka”, while Bloom comes from the main character in James Joyce’s Ulysses. Bloom’s choice of name is connected to his wish to step away from the expectations attached to his family name, though he remains open about being Christy Moore’s brother.