Bright future predicted for 'Mexican' Joe...if!

Retired chartered accountant, Alex Birnie, has written for some of the best known names in the business including George Hamilton IV, and reckons he has found a gem in Mosside man, ‘Mexican’ Joe Walker.

Joe currently has two top ten songs in the British Independent Country charts and has now accepted a new song penned by Alex called ‘Tennessee Rose’ which will form part of a forthcoming recording.

The pair have known each other for some six months, but met for the first time in Ballymoney last Friday when Alex was en route to the big music festival at Letterkenny.

It proved a warm exchange and Alex revealed how when he first heard Joe sing a song called ‘Ghost Story’, he was impressed.

“This man sounded so like Don Williams and I then got in touch and asked if I could write songs for him. Joe agreed and I’m delighted he has achieved some success as a result,” Alex told the Times.

But behind the pleasantaries lies a serious view that Joe could become a popular figure on the country music scene if he had a proper structure to his career.

“I have told Joe he has the talent to go places and that if he got himself a manager, he would definitely be successful,” Alex said.

However, Joe may not yet be ready for such a move.

He said: “I am very content recording CDs and selling them to my fans. I also like making the odd public appearance, but we’ll see how things go.”

In the meantime, Joe will continue to work with Alex who has also written for another popular local singer, Tom Laverty who included Alex’s song ‘Livin’ in the fast Lane’ on his latest album, Stars.

From Perthshire, Alex has written hundreds of songs and his success has earned him much respect in the country music industry. His weekend in Letterkenny will provide him with the opportunity of meeting up with some of the biggest names in the business with whom he has formed a firm friendship including Ballycastle man James McGarrity who has organised the Fest.

You can view Alex’s achievements at www.myspace.com/alexjbirnie. Email address: [email protected]