The sound is very good Thomas, Martin Russell, their sound engineer, is a member of the band and is co-writer on many of their tracks.

What is so special about the Afrocelts live? For a start the music, it's rare to hear music of such richness and complexity played so well, live. At times it's hard to believe your ears, to believe that anything could sound so good. It really does have 'the tingle factor' but cubed.

It's not only the major production tracks which have this quality, Iarla O'Lionards unaccompanied singing is superb, he has a heart melting voice.

There is a real feeling at an Afrocelt concert that the band want to entertain you, that they want you to go home having had one of the best nights of your life. Part of the way they do this is with N'Faly Kyoute, vocals, kora etc. He has a true generosity of spirit and a smile which lights the whole stage. He is a very physical performer, when he comes on stage and spreads his arms and opens his mouth, his soaring voice carries everyones spirit with it.

The word I would use to describe Johnny Kalsi, the dhol drummer, is 'gallus' (a Scottish word somewhat akin to chutzpah). He comes on banging his drum, drumming up more and more cheers and loving every minute of it. Add to that Moussa Sissoku on talking drums and James McNally on bodhran and you have all you need for the wonderful 'battle of the drums which has been a feature of the recent performances. James McNally adds to the drama at times by whirling like a dervish in a long black coat, playing his electric blue whistle all the while. The whole band seem to very much enjoy performing, the sets are well thought out, so the tunes flow into each other, in a natural organic way. It also becomes more than the sum of its' parts.

The atmosphere at Afrocelt gigs is incredible, the band enjoy it as much as we do and it shows. The interaction between band and audience generates an emotional experience everyone shares in. I've known completely sober people to leave Afrocelts gigs spaced out and speechless, intoxicated by the music.

I'm sorry to have gone on so long, but it's not as easy a question as it looks. I do love other music too. I've been to great gigs of all kinds, but there really is something special about the Afrocelts live.

Fiona

ps I didn't mean to diss scented candles but they bring on my asthma, plain church ones for me.