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06 Feb 10 - 02:07 PM (#2831544) Subject: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: mandotim Last night I saw the show in the Birmingham Symphony Hall. The musicians and singers played for three hours, and a virtually full house was spellbound, listening to peerless musicianship, great singing and a bunch of performers having a really good time playing together. The cast; Aly Bain Jerry Douglas Sara Watkins (Nickel Creek) Dan Tyminski Eddi Reader Tim O'Brien Molly O'Brien Karen Matheson Bruce Mosky Cara Dillon The House Band; Danny Thompson John Doyle Russ Barenberg Phil Cunningham Donald Shaw Michael McGoldrick James Mackintosh. It's impossible to pick out highlights, there were so many of them over the three hours, but what lingers is the sheer variety of music and the exuberance with which it was delivered. A great show. Tim |
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06 Feb 10 - 02:35 PM (#2831559) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: mandotim Er; that's Bruce MOLSKY, sorry. Tim |
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06 Feb 10 - 02:44 PM (#2831567) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Paco O'Barmy You bugger!! I doubt they are coming anywhere near Hull! |
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06 Feb 10 - 03:14 PM (#2831598) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Chris Green Hmmm. The words 'bastard' and 'lucky' leap to mind! The house band alone is making my mouth water.... |
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06 Feb 10 - 03:41 PM (#2831625) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: mandotim When I got home, I felt like throwing out all my instruments. It wasn't just the virtuosity (and there was plenty of that) it was the sheer musical taste with which everything was done. All the musicians were listening closely to each other, and the arrangements felt almost telepathic at times. It wasn't 'tight' in the sense of a well-rehearsed band, it was just a bunch of top-class players working really hard to make each other sound good. The stage was set out with a performing area at the front, and a couple of big comfy sofas at the back. It was obvious that new ideas were being cooked up on the sofas by the people who weren't playing at that point. This led to some fabulously unexpected contributions, especially on backing vocals. Cara Dillon sang one of her own songs at one point, and the backing vocalists were Tim and Mollie O'Brien, Karen Matheson, Dan Tyminski and Sara Watkins, all clustered round one mike at the back. The range of music was awesome (a bluegrass version of the Hendrix version of 'Hey Joe', anyone?) The house band are what holds the whole thing together, they don't do anything flash (until it's their turn!) but they simply nail the accompaniment for the others. They play their last show at the Festival Hall tomorrow, but they were talking about all taking a few days off and just playing together some more, just for the fun of it. I'm really glad I saw this one; I've never been to a concert of any kind where that kind of level was sustained for three hours. |
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06 Feb 10 - 03:43 PM (#2831628) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: mandotim Sorry, lost track of time a bit; their last show is tonight. |
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08 Feb 10 - 02:51 PM (#2833167) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: mandotim Just seen the thread about Bruce Molsky touring in April; he was terrific at this gig, playing fiddle, old-time banjo and some mandolin, and singing up a storm as well. It's a huge compliment to him to say he looked right at home in this company. I'll be going to see him, not sure where yet. |
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08 Feb 10 - 03:09 PM (#2833192) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: autoharpbob Green with envy, Tim! |
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08 Feb 10 - 03:14 PM (#2833196) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Backwoodsman I was there too, Tim! What a fantastic show, fabulously talented performers giving of their best, and giving so generously to one another and their audience. I desperately wanted to see Dan Tyminski, and I was blown away by the guy. Very nice too that, at the end, a number of the artists came out into the ICC mall to mingle with the departing audience. You won't see that at a pop-concert. My final memory? Eddi Reader and Aly looking down from the backstage staircase window out into the foyer, smiling and waving to us as we left. A wonderful hall, a fantastic group of performers, an evening of magical music. Never to be forgotten. |
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09 Feb 10 - 02:32 AM (#2833659) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Spot Halloo everybody... I was there... quite simply the best concert of any type I've ever attended. No need to say anything else... :-) Regards to all... Spot |
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09 Feb 10 - 03:13 AM (#2833671) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: mandotim I went with the Dobro player from our band, the Slippery Hill Boys. He could hardly speak all the way home to North Staffordshire. Jerry Douglas made me realise why everyone in American 'roots' music wants him on their albums. Some of the stuff he was doing had our dobro player wondering if it was even possible on a dobro. |
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09 Feb 10 - 03:31 AM (#2833675) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: evansakes I saw the final night at the Royal Festival Hall, London on Saturday. I've never seen so many amazing singers and musicians together at the same time...don't suppose I ever will again either. Unless of course they do it again after Celtic Connections next year (which I suspect they might). The warmth and camaraderie onstage was palpable and the collective musicality though pronounced was always restrained and subtle enough to perfectlly serve the song or tune they were playing. Two of the singers who impressed me the most have never actually appeared on the TV series...Sara Watkins and Mollie O'Brien. Sara is almost unrecognizable from the demure teenager I remember in Nickel Creek. Her version of the old Jimmie Rodgers tune 'Any Old Time' was sassy and confident. Mollie is quite dissimilar vocally to brother Tim...I particularly enjoyed her powerful and soulful version of 'No Ash Will Burn'. When they played Kate McGarrigle's 'Mendocino' to close the first set I don't think there was a single dry eye left in the house (Mollie O'Brien, Cara Dillon, Sarah Watkins, Eddi Reader and Karen Matheson shared the vocals). This was a totally unexpected delight. The final song of the evening, an ensemble version of Dylan's 'Lay Down Your Weary Tune' led by Tim O'Brien seemed an appropriate way to end the tour. But it was ALL extremely good....and a real privilege to finally see them live. |
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09 Feb 10 - 04:40 AM (#2833717) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: mandotim Oh my, I forgot 'Mendocino'! I was in floods, and so was everyone around me. |
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09 Feb 10 - 06:53 AM (#2833824) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: GUEST Gorblimey...yeah....Mendocino... didn't dare breathe through the whole song... powerful stuff...!!! Regards ..Spot |
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09 Feb 10 - 07:22 AM (#2833847) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: TopcatBanjo Great to hear that the Birmingham gig went so well. Here's what I wrote on UK Bluegrass about my experience of the Glasgow gig (first night, 29th Jan). Awesome! Friday night - first of the Transatlantic Sessions concerts, in the big Royal Concert Hall. Front row tix just off centre, so we had a great view. It was slightly (endearingly) shambolic in places in between songs as they obviously hadn't had that much rehearsal together. We'd gone mostly for the "Transatlantic" side of things and we weren't disappointed with some great performances by Tim O'Brien, Dan Tyminski (despite his guitar being inaudible on Wild Bill Jones) and of course the incomparable Darrell Scott. His Banjo Clark was one of the highlights of the evening - as was the riproaring version of Hey Joe performed by Timbob, Jerry Douglas and John Doyle. Mollie O'Brien's singing was incredible, and I also thought Cara Dillon was superb, although her stuff is not usually my cup of tea. Sara Watkins was also great although she did seem a little nervous in such exalted company! Her tune Jefferson (which I love) was great. It was a veritable feast - too many details to mention. |
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09 Feb 10 - 02:31 PM (#2834293) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Backwoodsman Oops - what happened? Pressed 'Submit' and my post disappeared! What I said was that I'm in complete agreement about Mollie O'Brien - such powerful, soulful singing from such a diminutive lady. Fabulous! And I forgot to mention 'Mendocino' - the ladies made a fine job, beautiful soaring harmonies, a tasteful and fitting tribute to the late Kate. Had me in tears. literally - Mrs. Fenswoman too. I feel privileged to have been there at a brilliant evening. Top Banana! |
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09 Feb 10 - 04:21 PM (#2834415) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: GUEST we was there and loved it our best was mouth music by K Mattheson and the flute of macgoldrick wish there was more pipes though! |
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10 Feb 10 - 08:36 AM (#2834832) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: evansakes I was actually a bit surprised Mike McGoldrick didn't get the opportunity to lead a tune set. There was no 'feature' or showcase opportunity at all or even a special mention (at the Festival Hall anyway). He was only briefly thanked the once (when Aly and Jerry went round everyone at the end). Didn't really matter though as you'd have to have had cloth ears not to have been aware of his huge contribution throughout. |
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10 Feb 10 - 09:23 AM (#2834880) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Les in Chorlton We saw the show in Manchester and I cannot but agree with everything said above.No ifs no buts...... erm But, with 17 people it was inevitable that we would only hear a few from each. I guess the current 'cannon' of American songs has a lot written in the last 10 - 20 years. I don't enjoy them as much as old Scots & Irish songs but what I enjoy is not a comment on the show. Mike McGoldrick is brilliant as are the tunes he plays. I would like to have haaerd more of him - it would have given graeter variety. I thought Aly and Phil were underemployed and when Aly led people into a set of Irish and Scots tunes near the end it suddenly bristled with extra zest. I feel the need to confess that I was more excited by Bellowhead, The Peatbogs and Salsa Celtica at Shrewsbury the other year. But that's what I like and is in no way a criticism of TS L in C |
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04 Mar 10 - 07:31 AM (#2855728) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: GUEST,Seanod I went to the Birmingham concert and have never in all my ( 51) years have i experienced such emotions! The whole evening was a delight. We chatted to Cara Dillon who along with others were mixing with the "plebs" in the foyer afterwards....roll on next year! Please |
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19 Oct 10 - 10:09 AM (#3010620) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: evansakes I see the Transatlantic Sessions gang are once again scheduled to appear in Glasgow at the end of Celtic Connections next January (27th and 28th). Any word on another full UK tour to follow ? Fingers crossed.... |
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19 Oct 10 - 04:25 PM (#3010946) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Mick Tems I was absolutely green with envy about TS Live. BBC4 provides cracking, stupendous programmes for our enjoyment - and long may it continue. |
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26 Oct 10 - 05:26 AM (#3015579) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: TopcatBanjo To Twickfolk and anyone else wondering...... I too have been keeping my eyes peeled for a 2011 TS tour since the Celtic Connections line up was announced. I've been checking online regularly and haven't seen any formal news/announcement BUT thought I would check the Bridgewater Hall's own website last night and a concert HAS been announced. So I picked up two front row tickets online. So that's Bridgewater Hall Manchester on Tues Feb 2011. Had a quick nosy just now and found dates at Town Hall Birmingham and RF Hall London. Don't know where else they might be on though. Get in now for good tickets! Transatlantic Sessions Manchester Transatlantic Sessions Brum Transatlantic Sessions London |
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26 Oct 10 - 06:52 AM (#3015611) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Rob Naylor TCB: Thanks for those links. Booked my London tickets already. Brilliant...can hardly wait. |
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26 Oct 10 - 07:01 AM (#3015620) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Colin Randall Fabulous bill. I'd pay for a concert by any one of at least two-thirds of them. Must now click on TopcatBanjo's link for the London gig. |
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26 Oct 10 - 01:42 PM (#3016012) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: mandotim Tickets for Birmingham; booked! Tim |
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26 Oct 10 - 11:01 PM (#3016408) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Backwoodsman My tickets for Brum Symphony Hall booked too! If it's only half as good as the last one, it'll still be brilliant! BWM (very excited). |
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27 Oct 10 - 03:45 AM (#3016487) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: evansakes Woohoo! Thanks for this, TCB ! |
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27 Oct 10 - 04:23 AM (#3016501) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: TopcatBanjo You're welcome. I know that I have picked up helpful info on gigs and programmes from this forum (and others) so I like to pass on anything useful straight away. Should be a good one. I'm looking forward to seeing Dirk Powell, amongst others. |
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27 Oct 10 - 04:40 AM (#3016511) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: evansakes Is there a list of the touring participants anywhere? |
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27 Oct 10 - 04:41 AM (#3016513) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Backwoodsman Look on the Birmingham Town Hall & Symphony Hall website. |
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27 Oct 10 - 04:41 AM (#3016514) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Rob Naylor On the Manchester link above. |
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27 Oct 10 - 04:42 AM (#3016515) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Rob Naylor But to save clicks, the lineup's: Aly Bain Jerry Douglas Paul Brady Allison Moorer Ashley Cleveland Kenny Greenberg Julie Fowlis Dirk Powell Phil Cunningham John Doyle Russ Barenberg Mike McGoldrick John McCusker James Mackintosh Donald Shaw |
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27 Oct 10 - 06:10 AM (#3016563) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Tradsinger No English performers? |
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27 Oct 10 - 06:22 AM (#3016571) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: evansakes Why should there be? Transatlantic Sessions for me has always been a celebration of various strands of Celtic music and how they evolved and changed after crossing the ocean. Nothing more and nothing less. I think you can add Tim O'Brien to the list above, Rob. |
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27 Oct 10 - 06:50 AM (#3016594) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: TopcatBanjo Tim O'Brien is absent from the Manchester show list on the B/Hall site so unfortunately it looks like he's not playing that one. Not sure if he's just playing Glasgow. Boo! |
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27 Oct 10 - 07:01 AM (#3016598) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Backwoodsman Likewise, Jerry Douglas is absent from the Birmigham list (which is a shame as he's one of my idols). Ah well, can't win 'em all, and I did get to see him (and my other idol, Dan Tyminski) last year. |
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27 Oct 10 - 08:47 AM (#3016658) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: Nick Noticed this: Live Streaming from Perthshire Amber Might have some people on it. It does cost for 30 days |
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27 Oct 10 - 08:55 AM (#3016668) Subject: RE: Review: Transatlantic Sessions live From: evansakes What? No Jerry Douglas? Transatlantic Sessions without him simply isn't feasible. |