About Granny's Intentions
Granny's Intentions were formed in 1965 in Limerick as "The Intentions", before changing their name to "Granny's Intentions" in 1966. There were a beat group initially playing covers before they started writing original material. They moved to Dublin and later London hoping to make a name for themselves and also often played in Germany. With an often changing lineup during their career, they released four singles and one album of original material called ‘Honest Injun’ before disbanding in 1972. They reunited for a fund-raising gig in 1983.
Granny's Intentions released the album 'Honest Injun' in 1970 which featured guitarist Gary Moore on some of the tracks. Granny's Intentions were popular on their home turf but had started to unravel when recording of the album commenced. Three tracks were cut in London with guitarist John Hockedy and former Skid Row drummer Noel Bridgeman before they split up. Back in Ireland, however, Granny's Intentions reformed and recruited Gary Moore with whom they completed the album at Decca Studios in London. The album was released on the Deram label in 1970, but despite its merits was already out of step with the prevailing trends. The band's moniker had misleading psychedelic nuance, whilst musically they were caught between the cusp of two eras; homespun earthiness melding with blues-orientated rock which would flourish in the 70s, although the flavour of 'Honest Injun' is closer to Sherwood Forest than the Mississippi Delta. Throughout, Moore's playing is accomplished and flawless, his prowess belying his years, but what of the rest of the band? Already renowned for his ability as a budding songwriter, vocalist Johnny Duhan has a ballsy sincerity that fits the proscribed territory, songs for earnest travelling men, who spend their days 'telling tales of nights spent with right females', according to the lyrics anyway. Duhan later earned great acclaim for his compositions, and his material has since been covered by the likes of Christy Moore, The Irish Tenors, Mary Black, Van Morrison and The Dubliners. His best-known number, 'The Voyage', has become a standard. Drummer Noel Bridgeman is effortlessly appropriate, straight-forward where required, a little more complex when necessary, as on 'I'm Going', which led eventually to a guest appearance with Clannad. As of bass player and flautist Pete Cummings, guitarist Johnny Hockedy, horn player Zack Lawrence and Pat Nash who took care of the keyboard and drums, little is to be divined.
This could be doing them a disservice, but since recording 'Honest Injun', they seem to have slipped off the map, at least in terms of rock history. Not even a trawl around the internet reveals any clues. One can only presume that producer Wayne Bickerton went on to a sweet future as a tunesmith, co-writing 'Sugar Baby Love', which was a hit for The Rubettes, and 'Sugar Candy Kisses' for Mac and Katie Kissoon. But the fortunes of the band, aside from Moore and Johnny Duhan, who joined forces again in 1982, when Gary played on the singer's self-titled album, remain something of a mystery. Despite this, however, the music can now speak for itself, and provides a fascinating record of two influential artistes in the making. [adapted from liner notes of 'Honest Injun' reissue]
After Granny's Intentions split in early 1972, Johnny Duhan went on to pursue a solo career on the folk circuit. Pete Cummings later played with Donovan and Freddie White's band, The Fake, and was a member of The Fleadh Cowboys in the 1980s. Pat Nash went on to play with The Woods Band/Gay & Terry Woods.
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Comments
Muiris Mac Cartaine wrote on 2020-12-29 00:00:00:Pete Cummings was in the well known Fleadh Cowboys in the late 80s early 90s. Nollaig Bridgeman was in Skid Row with Gary Moore who had 1 UK Top 30 Album, the Brush Shiels band and Fisherman's Blues era Waterboys and much more.
Edward Maki wrote on 2019-08-21 00:00:00:
As cool as it sounds, Pat Nash did not become a race car driver in Idaho. I worked with him in an art gallery in Toronto mid 80's. Last time I saw him was early 90's when he had his own art gallery north of Toronto. Saw him jam a few times.
Paul Hynes wrote on 2016-07-05 00:00:00:
Would love to know if John Ryan still graces our planet. Lived in the same house in the early 80s. Beautiful person.
paddy wrote on 2013-01-23 00:00:00:
great band
Denis McKeown wrote on 2011-01-17 00:00:00:
I once knew John Ryan, such a fine man and thank you John for showing me some guitar chords.
tom wrote on 2010-02-10 00:00:00:
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