I began to think about these songs, and what to do. Speaking with Brian Masterson, my recording engineer from over 30 years ago, the songs began to grow with each conversation. In the beginning, it would be me and my guitars and a few friends playing.

But no, I decided these songs needed more.

So I invited some of my heroes, and some of my friends, to come and sing with me, and play with me.

Glen Hansard of the Frames and The Swell Season; Rita Connolly, Iarla O'Lionaird, Eimear Quinn, who are some of Ireland's greatest singers. Steve Cooney, my guitar hero. A new friend, Dirk Powell from America on Banjo and mandolin. Mairtin O'Connor, who plays accordion and gets deep into the soul of a song. Conor Byrne, my nephew and friend, who's flute tones grace many of my songs. Donal Lunny, an Irish legend, who was one of my childhood heroes with my brother Christy. Robbie Harris, and Samuel Arnold, new friends who played percussion and sang. Frankie Lane, a great dobro and pedal steel player. Caoimhin O'Raghallaigh, a young Irishman who is playing a significant part in reviving the true soulfulness of Irish music. He played fiddle. And Joe Csibi, my friend who arranged the 16 piece orchestra on 5 tracks.

Everybody gave their all, none more than Brian Masterson, who produced the record with me, and mixed and mastered it. I feel blessed. And in the end it is all about the songs. The songs brought us together, and together we try to honour the songs.

Making a record is one of the great privileges of my life. It is still in 2012, the only way I want to present my work to people. These songs are really important to me. On this record, these songs were given all the love they needed.

No note left unsung, no note left unplayed. Just enough. I am proud of This New Morning, and I thank all who helped bring it to life. - Luka Bloom

01. How Am I To Be
02. A Seed Was Sown
03. Heart Man
04. Capture A Dream
05. The Race Runs Me
06. You Survive
07. Riverdays
08. Across The Breeze
09. Gaman
10. Your Little Wings
11. Dignity And Backbone
12. The Ride
13. No Big Deal