Don Baker is an Irish blues musician, television personality, and actor. Don is a singer-songwriter who plays the harmonica and the guitar. He appeared in several films, his most notable appearance being in In the Name of the Father and On the Nose. He has published harmonica instruction books and videos.
When and why did you start playing?
When I was 7, in hospital I had TB, I heard a man play the harmonica and I fell in love with the sound.
Which instruments do you play?
The harmonica and the guitar.
What was the first tune(s) you learned?
On the harmonica, it was The Black Hills of Decoda by Doris Day, and on the guitar it was Gloria by Van Morrison.
Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
Sonny Terry and Sonny Boy Williamson, I liked the way they expressed themselves.
What has been the highlight of your career to date?
Playing with Sonny Terry at The National Stadium. I was 23 and he said I was a great harmonica player.
Your recent album ‘My Songs, My Friends’ had a star-studded line-up from Sinead O’Connor to Declan O’Rourke. Was it a lot of fun to make this album?
Yes it was great to hear the songs I had written come alive with these great artists.
What can people expect at your gig at The Civic?
There is always a great atmosphere when I play at the Civic, so I hope to play to the best of my ability, if I do that it will be a great gig.
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Don Baker plays at The Civic on Friday, 10th April @ 8pm. Tickets are from €16 and on sale here: http://www.civictheatre.ie/whats-on/don-baker/
