The Celtic Connections music festival is on in Glasgow at the moment, dubbed “Scotlands Premier Winter Music Festival”. Last year we went along to see “Blazing Fiddles” with a number of famous Scottish singers, but unfortunately that particular concert was sold out this time around - no doubt helped by last years success (it was shown on TV some months later).
This year, Frances was determined to see more, so last night we found ourselves back in the Royal Concert Hall, in the same seats as we always seem to end up in (Block N, just above the stage on the left hand side from the audience’s perspective). We don’t plan it that way, it’s just that the ticket machine pixie’s seems to work it out that way. Not Blazing Fiddles this time, but “The Dubliners”.
I was a bit doubtful to begin with: The music was, and still is I think, a favourite of my parents, but for some reason when I listened to a preview on iTunes, didn’t fill me with happy memories: Teenage angst, the works. But that’s the strange thing with association. Start Abba, another favourite of my parents, and it’s a whole different ball game, lots of good memories. Why my recollection should work in that particular way is beyond me.
No matter, I knew it’d be good (live music almost always is), and we weren’t disappointed in the slightest. The music was superb, and so full of energy and dynamism, it was clear that the band were enjoying themselves every bit as much as the audience. They may have been going for five decades, but it didn’t show one bit. Every tune - some of which I was familiar with - was played with gusto and passion. Barney McKenna deserves special mention. The “chairperson” of the band, he looked a frail figure to start with: I was worried the band were just keeping him happy at the end of their line. But a number of “Irish solos and duets” followed in which he had a little accompaniment but took the lead. Marvellous stuff all around.
Hats off too to Eamonn Campbell, who quite rightly seems to be the driving force in the band. Running about stage like a teenage boy-band member, I almost expected him to smash his guitar at the end when they took their encore. Impressive stuff.
A couple of concert peeves: Why is it that so many people think it’s a good/sensible thing to leave before the last note has been played? Maybe because I notice it more these days, I get wound up by it, but it seems to be increasingly common that people sneak out towards the end of the show to “beat the rush” or some such. I’m sure some people have good reasons, but that so many people doing so is almost the pinnacle of rudeness, not just to the band, but to the other audience members who get distracted and interrupted . Oh, and flash photograph. Some information for you Mr compact-camera-photographer: Your puny red-eye reduction flash doesn’t work across a large concert hall. If it did, it’d be all washed out anyway. All you end up doing is dazzling both the band, and me. Stop it!
Anyway, The Dubliners proved to be an excellent choice, and well worth going to see. They said they hoped to be invited back next year: I think it’d be a huge shame if they weren’t.
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January 29th, 2006 at 9:47 pm
Thanks for the review! I didn’t actually believe that The Dubs still had something to offer the audience, but I I may have to rethink..
March 9th, 2006 at 11:52 pm
Yes, they still have a lot to offer! Obviously, the addition of Patsy Watchorn sparked off new fire for the whole band and they really impress with their skills, talents and joy, like in the old days. Their gig at the Submarine in December 05 was one great, big “happening”. Can’t wait to see more of them this summer.
March 29th, 2006 at 5:19 pm
SEAN CANNON deserves a mention too, he has a fantastic voice and is the reason , i think in all honesty, that THE DUBLINBERS are still on the road, when RONNIE DREW left it was SEANS unique voice that kept the band going,,,, of course needless to say Barney, Eamonn, John and Patsy are wonderful performers in their own right, i will finish this little ditty by saying GOOD LUCK AND BEST WISHES TO THE DUBLINERS, one of the greatest bands ever. (I was lucky enough to see them when LUKE KELLY was in the lineup) no more to be said.
January 16th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
Dunno if that was the same concert I was at myself, which may well have been 2007 rather than 2006, but I would have to agree that the Dubliners performance was definitely worth travelling into Glasgow for and, if they are >maybe< not quite as strong vocally as they were when younger, they still outperform many newer folk groups and put on a fantastic, funny and entertaining show.
They were backed by a group of younger musicians led by an excellent flautist who were called, I think(?), The Shootie or something. If the support bands name does not stick in my memory then their performance does and both groups together made for me a memorable and enjoyable night.
January 16th, 2007 at 9:15 pm
Other group was Cushtie