Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011

Subject: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 06:06 AM

What a gig!

Absolutely amazing... I loved every minute of it. Consummate musicianship, great songs and tunes and several people on stage simultaneously that I'd have paid the admission price to see on their own!

Took a friend who'd never heard of any of the performers and she was astonished that so much talent could be gathered on one stage. Julie Fowlis did her usual lovely version of "Biodh An Deoch Seo An Laimh Mo Ruin". I was particularly impressed by Michael McGoldrick's underpinning of even the most unlikely songs with his pipes, flute and long whistle but the highlight of the evening for me was Allison Moorer's fantastic version of "Carrickfergus". I had some grit in my eye while she was singing! Her baby spent a good part of the evening being held up by his "sitter" at the side of the stage, smiling and waving his arms enthusiastically.

The only slight disappointment for me was that Russ Barenberg only got one piece of his own to play, but not too worroed as I'll be seeing him solo on thursday courtesy of Mudcatter Sylvia N.

Three hours went by in a flash. Still buzzing!

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: GUEST,Sara O'Keeffe
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 07:12 AM

We were there too, and echo all your sentiments. Great disappointment though that Tim O'Brien didn't show, despite being billed.

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 07:26 AM

I assumed he wouldn't be there as I saw that he'd been unable to appear at the Birmingham gig "for personal reasons", so I was expecting a no-show therefore wasn't actually disappointed.

Only 1 absence from a cast of 17 I could live with, given the level of talent of the whole bunch.

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 07:50 AM

Roll on Transatlantic Sessions at The Sage on Wednesday-anyone else going???

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 08:10 AM

Tim O'Brien was on stage for last Thursday's TS gig in Glasgow, but not on Friday's repeat show.
Derek

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 08:19 AM

Linda, I went to the Birmingham Symphony Hall gig - a long drive from the Backwoods of Gainsborough! - and I echo everything Rob and Sara have said. Fabulous musicianship, lovely singing, and a baby too!

And I agree that Alison's 'Carrickfergus' was stunning! The best singing of that great song that I've ever heard.

Dirk Powell is a revelation too - some excellent cajun melodeon and banjo playing (it was Dirk who 'actually' played the banjo for the scenes in the film 'Cold Mountain') and seriously good singing of the same genre. The 'ad-lib' performance of 'Jambalaya' was a real high-spot, and brought the house down (not convinced it was truly 'ad-lib' though!).

Aly announced that they hope to have a certain lady fiddler/singer, not unknown to Jerry Douglas, on the next TV series. I hope with every fibre of my being that they persuade her to come along on the next TSL tour! Oh Frabjous Day, Callooh, Callay, he chortled in his joy!

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: michaelr
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 10:24 AM

a certain lady fiddler/singer, not unknown to Jerry Douglas

Who would that be, then?

It's very inconsiderate of them not to bring the show to the US.

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: cobra
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 10:42 AM

I had the good fortune to see these folk at Symphony Hall on Sunday night. As has been said above, the entrance fee would have been justified for any one of the ensemble. There were sooo many highlights.... it was good to see Paul Brady smiling all the way through. Having attended his gigs over a forty year period, this has not always been the case but he seems to be in a much better place now and that is good. I loved Ashley Cleveland's intro to how a good Presbyterian like her came to Gospel. Enthralling - and what a voice!

I also thought the backing people were tops. John Doyle, Josh Mackintosh and Danny T were just amazing. All in all, magical evening in a marvellous venue. And even the parking was easy.

Big up to Birmingham!

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 11:22 AM

How did I forget to mention Paul Brady? And Ashley Cleveland? Powerful performers both.

And John Doyle's song ('Sweet Remembered Shores'? I forget the title, d'oh!) - excellent stuff from a hugely talented musician.

It was a triumph all round. Mrs. Fenswoman (who is NOT a folkie by any stretch of the imagination) is desperate for TSL to come around again next year, she lurved it all!

michaelr - the clue was in the reference to Jerry! (But you knew that didn't you - daft bugger!) :-) :-)

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: BanjoRay
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 11:23 AM

Alison Krause eh? hmmm....

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: SylviaN
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 02:03 PM

Linda, Keith and I will be at the Sage on Wednesday. We're coming up so that we can bring Russ Barenberg back with us to Derbyshire for the solo gig he is doing for us that Rob mentioned.

We'll look out for you.

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 02:54 PM

Bless you Sylvia! will certainly look out for you-very excited!!!!!

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 06:53 PM

That was me Linda xx

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: RunrigFan
Date: 01 Feb 11 - 07:09 PM

I went to the gig in London, I loved the instrumental pieces, julie fowlis was amazing ;)

The country stuff was amazing too, I was in row l :)

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 04:02 AM

I went to the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester to see them last night. On the whole, I was disappointed. Why? Apart from missing Tim oBrien, I didn't think the sound was up to scratch.

This could have been largely down to the hall which is designed for un-amplified music hence it is rather bass heavy and has a natural reverb which tends to muddy and confuse amplified sound. The point about not enough Russ Barrenberg was compounded by the fact that I couldn't hear his mandolin playing at any time throughout the whole evening. In addition the sound balance for solos always tended to be late.

Although some may disagree, the low points of the whole evening were the girl from "Nashville" who arrived on stage with a purple guitar - which simply served to make her stand out from what we have come to know as the Transatlantic Sessions even more - and the unnecessary, in my mind, heavy electric guitar playing. Perhaps the TSs are having their Dylan moment! (Which actually happened in the hall the Bridgewater replaced).

As for Tim oB, I see from his website that he's playing nowhere until the 25th February in New Zealand - and guess where I will be then - I feel another concert coming on!!!!

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 04:17 AM

Sorry if the Manchester sound wasn't up to scratch.

I thought the Festival Hall sound, on the whole, was very good, although they did mess up the start of one song by getting the balance wrong.

Russ' mandolin was a bit quieter than I'd have liked, but it was audible, definitely. Ashley Cleveland's guitar (and flamboyant trousers!) didn't worry me at all, and AFAIR her husband's electric guitar only featured significantly on 2 songs...it blended into the general sound on the others. And gospel songs have a long history of being accompanied by electric guitar (ref Sister Rosetta Tharpe). No more out of place than Michael McGoldrick playing pipes on "Country" songs!

Still, I wasn't one of those who yelled "Judas" at Dylan and I think some of the stuff he did with The Band was among his best work, so who am I to talk?

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: Bainbo
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 04:25 AM

Yes, I'll be at the Sage tonight. Had tickets for the show last time it was there and then, unaccountably forgot about it until it was half over. We looked at each other and said: "we should be at the Sage tonight, shouldn't we?" D'oh!

Still, this time round, we got in early enough to book the £7 tickets that are available for every show.

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: TopcatBanjo
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 06:15 AM

I'm afraid that I have to agree with Ray in being disappointed with the Manchester concert, and for me it wasn't just the sound - although I also thought that was sub-par and for a concert of this nature it needs to be excellent. For most of the evening I couldn't hear John McCusker's fiddle, Russ Barenberg's guitar or Dirk Powell's banjo at all.

At the time of booking I wondered whether they really had the best mix of people this year and unfortunately this was borne out for me. Especially as Tim O'Brien (a major reason for booking) was missing.

I was keen to see Dirk Powell but he seemed a little overwhelmed in this company...other than a great version of Country Blues, which finally got the place going during the second half. I was also interested in seeing Allison Moorer but was disappointed in her contribution. The first song she did was a hugely self-indulgent number at the piano...completely out of place in this context. The second was a pleasant enough country number but entirely forgettable.

I had high hopes for Ashley Cleveland saving the day when her first (gospel) number was really good, but then her others were disappointing. Paul Brady at least brought a bit of fire and drive to the first half with his couple of songs, including Baker Street (with the sax riff on pipes and lap steel) but then he too seemed to go bonkers at the start of the second half with another schmaltzy self-indulgent piece on the piano.

The whole thing had a feeling of complacency and painting by numbers about it to my mind. Believe me, I don't want to be typing this - I was blown away by last year's (Glasgow) TS and keenly anticipated this year's concert. Honorable mention should go to Mike McGoldrick, who as ever worked hard throughout and whose tasteful contributions on pipes and flutes were superb on every song they featured on. John Doyle was great in both his rhythm guitar and his solo piece and Dirk Powell got the place rocking on Country Blues as mentioned above. Julie Fowlis was very good, even though the Gaelic singing is not my bag. And I actually thought Kenny Greenberg's electric guitar was excellent and sparingly used.

Overall though a big letdown. Sigh.

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: GUEST,Chris Murray
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 08:02 AM

I was at Birmingham. Loved it!! Nearly as good as last year's. Had to miss the end, though, because of our train. Did Alison Moorer sing in the second half? Shame about Tim O'Brien - and I thought there was rather too much Paul Brady (I am a fan, though) and wonder if he picked up the gaps left by Tim.

Agree with everything everyone has said about the genius that is Mike McGoldrick. Looking forward to seeing him with Capercaille next weekend.

I wasn't disappointed as it was a brilliant evening. I would have liked to hear a bit more from Aly Bain - but I'm seeing him and Phil soon too!!

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 08:21 AM

Alison did sing in the second half at the BSO, Chris - a beautiful 'Carrickfergus'. I was disappointed about Tim O'Brien too, but Paul Brady I thought was excellent - did a sterling 'front-man' job and, as you say, he was probably pushed up front a bit more to cover for Tim. I would never have expected to be 'wowed' by 'Baker Street', but their rendition of it as a tribute to The Late Gerry was very good indeed.

I absolutely was not disappointed (and I drove a 220-mile round trip to the show). Mind you, there are people who would moan if they found a £20 note in the street, because it wasn't £50.

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 08:22 AM

Don't get me wrong, Ashley Cleveland in context would have been OK but, personally, I don't like Gospel music, its not what I'd come to listen to and not something I expected in the context of the Transatlantic Sessions.

I thought the "Baker Street" tribute was one of the better songs of the night but it didn't really go down that well with the audience. Overall, I thought the whole thing was somewhat disconnected and could have been tied together better, perhaps if someone could have at least mentioned what the tunes/songs were called. As it was, the sparsity of dialogue was further hindered by the widely varying levels and eq on the vocal mics.

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: evansakes
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 01:17 PM

Perhaps not reaching the heights of last year's tour this was still majorly enjoyable.

O'Brien's absence was a disappointment of course and Carrickfergus was always going to be a major highlight but I was absolutely floored by that slow uillean pipe lament McGoldrick played early in the second half (the one with Donald Shaw on harmonium). Anyone know the name of that one?

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: TopcatBanjo
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 02:01 PM

"Mind you, there are people who would moan if they found a £20 note in the street, because it wasn't £50." - backwoodsman

If this is aimed at me, not sure what you're getting at? Am I not permitted to state my opinion as I see it? I love Appalachian, bluegrass and old time as well as folk so this should have been right up my street. As mentioned I thought last year's concert was phenomenally good. Other concerts I've seen recently by Lau, Crooked Still and Abigail Washburn were fantastic. So just because I was disappointed by the content of this concert, I get some snide remark my way....? Would you rather everyone gushed over everything rather than be honest? Many people on this thread hugely enjoyed the concerts and said so - I haven't aimed a snide personal remark at them, but it's OK the other way round?

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: melodeonboy
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 05:44 PM

Many moments of ecstasy, especially at the start when we had that wonderful instrumental followed by Julie Fowlis.

The "core" band were excellent, as always.

It was great to hear Dirk Powell. I was quite moved by the references to his father. It was a shame his cajun accordion didn't come across properly.

Twickfolk said "I was absolutely floored by that slow uillean pipe lament McGoldrick played early in the second half (the one with Donald Shaw on harmonium)." Well, I was too!

Low points for me? Yes! Allison Moorer's piano piece was bordering on the unpleasant. As for Paul Brady - I'm sorry, I just don't get it! I must be lacking the "Paul Brady appreciation gene" that every other bugger seems to have! To me he never sounds anything other than a light pop singer. More "la-la-las" than you can shake a stick at! :)

Am I pleased I went? Definitely! There was little that I didn't enjoy, and so much that I did. Should they do it again next year, I'll be there!

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: evansakes
Date: 03 Feb 11 - 03:55 AM

I know some people didn't like what she did with this song but here's a reminder of one of the show-stopping moments from the tour just finished

Allison Moorer - Carrickfergus

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: GUEST,Ray
Date: 03 Feb 11 - 04:42 AM

I tend to agree with melodeonboy with respect to Paul Brady. He seemed to me to be largely going through the motions. I first came across him almost 40 years ago and, apart from his early years with the Johnsons, he has always seemed to perform to a higher standard as a solo artist.

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 04 Feb 11 - 03:40 AM

Twickfolk...I've not come across anyone who was at the who didn't like Allison Moorer's Carrickfergus. Can't see anything critical of it up-thread, either. What wasn't to like about it? I've heard it done hundreds of times and for me her performance at the FH was the best I've ever heard anyone do it, by a country mile!

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: evansakes
Date: 04 Feb 11 - 05:03 AM

I agree with you 100% but if you're interested take a look at the bottom half of this Thread dating from when TS4 was first broadcast

starting with a comment by Rog somebody

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: Colin Randall
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 05:24 AM

I wonder what Linda and Sylvia made of the Sage concert, since both mentioned they'd be going.

This, a pal of mine, was one highly satisfied customer ...

http://www.salutlive.com/2011/02/transatlantic-sessions-a-big-society-that-work

Subject: RE: Transatlantic Sess Fest Hall 31 Jan 2011
From: Colin Randall
Date: 07 Feb 11 - 05:26 AM

Sorry, I messed up the clicky ...

http://www.salutlive.com/2011/02/transatlantic-sessions-a-big-society-that-work