Black 47

Subject: Black 47
From: GUEST,nickr90
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 01:56 PM

I am currently writing an article on the band. I am in contact with Larry for band perspective. Any fans like to comment on
the music
the influences
the politics
the Irish influence (or not)
Thanks
Nicky

Subject: RE: Black 47
From: DonMeixner
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 04:19 PM

Hi Nicky,

This isn't what you are asking for specifically but I'll chime in anyway.

I have heard them three times in Syracuse, NY. I imagine what I hear is not the best representation of their music. These are usually outdoors type venues and the band is VERY loud. Not that loud is bad, but boomy sound and incomprehesible distortion is. It echos off the buildings something wicked. What I can hear is usually men yelling with drums. Because of this I can't tell you what I'm hearing well enough to decipher influence from effluence, politics
or ability.

Can't say I'm a fan but I am tolerant. I'll listen again when they are in town.

Don

Subject: RE: Black 47
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 04:47 PM

I've interviewed Larry on my radio program. The man is a genius in my book. While their music may be loud, Larry Kirwan writes from a folk perspective. Political songwriting, long a mainstay of the folk revival, has been all but lost in rock music. Black 47 keeps that tradition alive.

I think many non-Irish music fans have the wrong image of the group and look at them as just another Irish bar band. Far from the truth. Sure their songs tell the stories and relate experiences that relate directly to the Irish themes and politics, but their music speaks to a wider audience. These are issues that effect us all - Living in New York and trying to make a living, dealing with prejudice and fear and celebrating freedom.

Subject: RE: Black 47
From: M.Ted
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 05:11 PM

I think that Black 47 are great--

The songs tell honest, painful, and often funny stories about the immigrant experience, which is really a fundamental part of the American experience--the thing is that they are stories from the present--usually, our immigrant stories are museum pieces--old restored photos, scratchy recordings, diaries, and old letters, part of a quaint and remote past--

The reason Black 47 is so important is that Larry Kirwan's songs lay out the conflicts, issues, struggles, the great losses and small victories here in the present, and shares the raw emotions that go along with them without the filter of "nostalgia"--

Subject: RE: Black 47
From: DonMeixner
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 05:34 PM

Thanks guys, I'll search out some CDs and listen in a more controled environment.

Don

Subject: RE: Black 47
From: *#1 PEASANT*
Date: 24 Sep 04 - 08:14 PM

Their support of terrorism is regretable as the music and writing is good.
CB