I went with a friend to FermiLab yesterday evening ( Saturday ) to hear a concert given by Solas, Seamus Egan, et al.
The concert hall was about as different from the one I described in my earlier review of a Lunasa concert as it is possible to find. The Coronado Theater I characterized as “an enthusiastic re-interpretation of rococo,” while the auditorium at FermiLab is very modern and minimalist. The interior is done in curving surfaces painted black and white, deviod of other decoration. The stage is framed in dark wood, is very close to the audience, and elevated only a foot or so above the auditorium floor. The ranks of seats are set very steeply, with the result that there isn’t a bad one in the house. FermiLab has the engaging custom that the artists linger after the performance for punch and cookies and to speak with members of the audience, so I had the opportunity to pass a few pleasantries with Seamus Egan and the accordianist, called “MickMac” ( Mick McAuley ) by fellow band members.
Those who read my earlier review of Lunasa will be delighted to learn that the sound mixing at this concert couldn’t have been better. Mick McAuley and Dierdre Scanlan, the lead vocalist, are both strong singers so with the instrumentals there was quite a variety to the music. In addition, they were travelling with a singer/songwriter named Antje Duvekot who provided the warm-up routine. The group sang a couple of her songs during the main part of the program, and have included them in their latest album. Antje’s voice and style I liken to '60s vintage folk singing, and I don’t mean that in a deprecating manner because I think she is quite good. She can handle emotion without getting sloppy, and it works well with her voice which is deep for a woman’s.
The musicianship is excellent, and Seamus did not disappoint in his mastery of many instruments. At various times during the concert he played a mandolin, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, banjo, flute, and low pennywhistle ( key indeterminate ). The bassist ( Chico ) used his instrument to good effect, and a slow air done late in the concert by himself, the fiddler ( Winifred Horan ), and Dierdre – who styled themselves “Chico and the Chiquettes” – was beautiful. Those who are fond of bodhran jokes would have been disappointed, because they don’t field one, but use a drummer instead. Unfortunately, his name, as that of the bassist, don’t appear on my program. The rhythm guitar player ( Donal Clancy, son of Liam Clancy ), did excellent work. He knew when to assert and when to support.
The music was excellent, and I enjoyed the concert a great deal, but there is one thing I don’t understand: In the flyers for the concert the Boston Herald was quoted as saying Seolas is “the number one Irish traditional band …” Now I know that no-one would want to be billed as “the number two ( or three )” Irish traditional band in the world, but they don’t seem to me to be very traditional in their music. They were playing songs by Bob Dylan, Jessie Colin Young, and the like, for Heaven’s sake, and are very strongly rock-influenced.
That said, I enjoyed the concert very much even though my preference is for traditional music. Unfortunately for Solas fans, this was the last concert in their tour.
