09/02/25
A review by Paul Davies – images by John Hooper
The harmonious interconnectedness of all things in music was reassuringly in existence tonight, at The Royal Festival Hall, where an entire stage full of masterful musicians respectfully combined their instrumental, songwriting and vocal skills to complete a perfect circle of musical excellence that Giotto would have been proud of drawing. And drawing in a packed audience of aficionados of traditional Celtic and Country/Blues music is precisely what this magical ensemble managed to do.
There were many notable highlights during this two-set show from Gaelic singer/musician Julie Fowlis’ sublime mother tongue song interpretations, and bagpipe playing at the finale, to erstwhile Bob Dylan guitarist Larry Campbell, also on mandolin and violin, who together with his wife and remarkable vocalist Teresa Williams performed a beautiful duo spot. Compèred by the irrepressible master of ceremonies, Jerry Douglas, all of tonight’s ensemble of performers took a turn in the spotlight including Clare Island, County Mayo’s very own Niall McCabe whose endearing patter and narrative songwriting was elevated by this full orchestra of exceptional talent. Star turn Loudon Wainwright III entertained in his inimitable satirical manner with Primrose Hill and The Swimming Song delivering a deep social subtext beneath their surface jollity. A cover of I’ll Go On Alone by Marty Robbins revealed this seemingly light-hearted artist’s under-appreciated gravity of performance.
There were many instrumental attractions plucked, plonked, blown and wheezed in this fairground of music in which the serious and the joyous combined to emphasise the interconnectedness of auld and contemporary musical forms. The curious similarities between seemingly different musical cultures radiated brightly via all the talents on display. If only politicians could heed this example on the global world stage.
