AMAZING! - is the word Anna Heinz has used to describe this extraordinary group!
I am sure that they are even more polished than the previous times I have listened to them. The fabulous sound, created by 'intrepid musical explorers' … Steve McGlone, Tamsin Leenhouwers, Dave Remnant, and Dan Callahan was hugely and deservedly applauded by a most enthusiastic audience.
Their skilful arrangements and very tight delivery of Celtic traditional music and of songs were a delight to listen to. Each member of the group, and their instruments, was given space within the arrangements. Dan's double bass line, at times most satisfactorily almost understated, was perfectly placed. His introductions and comments raised many chuckles. Steve and Tamsin's voices fit well together, and their harmonising was excellent.
Tunes with a driving beat were interspersed with a more reflective 'When the Forest is Gone' - a lovely composition from Tamsin, and a number of songs (including Stan Rogers’ ‘Three Fishers' (I really hoped that Steve and Tamsin's high octane delivery was not going to strain their voices too badly…..), Nic Cave’s 'The Ship Song’, and the final one, from Prince Edward Island, was sung in French by Dave (Lubiana 'Terre Rouge). It was very nice to hear his voice solo!
I particularly enjoyed the arrangement of the song from Norse mythology about Odin's two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, who flew the world to bring information back to their god.
Other favourites were Tamsin's lively compositions 'Amalgo' and 'Lime Spider'
Yaza was packed full - you'd better arrive early for further performances.
Best of luck when you tour Christchurch in October, Amalgo - bet they love your music as much as we did.
Anna Heinz
Nelson folk club - Acoustic Routes
Venue: Christchurch Irish Society
29 Domain Terrace, Spreydon, Christchurch 8024
The hall is situated up the long driveway, directly next to Domain Park, and there is plenty of well-lit off-street parking.
Doors open 7pm. Performance starts at 7.30pm - online bookings will close prior to the event start time. After this time only door sales will be available on the night and will be dependent on the number of seats available in line with the Hall capacity.
Please bring cash for tea, coffee, biscuits and cake available during the break, also bar facilities for cold refreshments throughout the night, Eftpos available at the bar for purchases only, no cash-out facility.
Folk Club and Irish Society members please remember to bring your membership card for licensing purposes. Non-members sign in at the bar if making purchases.
