Two great musicians at Once
Island Girls and The Barra MacNeils: two great nights of music
If you made a list of some of the top Celtic guitarists on the go today, I’m pretty sure that both JP Cormier and Tim Edey would be up near the top. I’ve watched them perform together and it’s an out-and-out lovefest, a mutual admiration society of the highest order. Think about what would happen if you put them both in a studio: just them, their instruments and a microphone. Well, it happened, and the result is a recently released CD called Once.
The recording was done seven years ago, at a session that went for hours. The two just played, taking turns leading, changing instruments on the fly, and never knowing what the other was going to do next.
The result? Magic! That’s the only way I can describe it. You’re hearing the raw recording (with the odd overdub) and catching the hoots, the laughter, and the occasional comment as one urges the other on. Really, this is about two master musicians having fun. Both play acoustic guitar, but Tim also adds in concertina and you can hear JP’s fiddle, banjo, mandolin and electric guitar wander in from time to time as well.
With both JP and Tim keeping very busy schedules (and living an ocean apart) it took seven years to sort through everything, decide what to keep, and release the CD. Trust me, it was worth the wait!
I really like The Winston Set and The Wicked A Set (which runs for almost nine minutes) is as good as the name implies. The CD lists nine cuts, but you actually get eleven. The two extras are real jam sessions, with both Tim and JP going all over the place, hitting different tunes, styles, keys and tempos, and having a whale of a time doing it.
Have I convinced you that this is a great CD? JP & Tim had me convinced before the first cut was finished. Check it out and see if I’m right! *****
I caught two great shows last week: Island Girls at The Savoy and The Barra MacNeils at Membertou. Talk about entertaining!
The Island Girls were Jenn Sheppard, Heather Rankin, Bette MacDonald and Lucy MacNeil, a truly winning combination. They sang beautifully and had the audience in stitches with their comedic routines. Elsa (Jenn’s counterpart) made an impassioned presentation as to why she should be elected Premier of Cape Breton and Bette’s alter egos (Mary Morrison and Beulah Claxton) had me laughing until I hurt. Both Mary and Elsa joined Lucy (as the ‘grieving’ widow) and Heather (as Jimmy, an annoying twerp with overly amorous ambitions) at the wake of Lucy’s late husband. After a series of less-then-sincere platitudes, they agreed that they knew what was going to catch fire first.
The ladies sang some of their own songs, their favourite songs and songs from some of the Island Boys. They even included a wonderful tribute to Rita MacNeil, an internationally recognized Island Girl. Throughout, they were backed up by a great group of musicians led by Stephen Muise. It was almost three hours long and far too short. They sold out back-to-back shows and could easily have done several more. Hopefully, Island Girls can get another run in the future.
Two nights later I hit the MT&CC for a surprisingly intimate show with the Barra MacNeils. This was the beginning of a quick Maritime tour that ended last night, promoting their latest recording, On The Bright Side.
As expected, the music was great. Lucy’s voice soared, particularly on the beautiful and soulful Ribhinn Donn (Brown Haired Girl). This is fast becoming one of my favourites from her repertoire. The instrumentals were ‘spot-on,’ with skillful arrangements, the impressive variety of instruments, and their well-practiced transition from one to the other. Hearing them in action you know why they are considered one of the top stage bands in the Celtic realm.
The Barras hit the road in November for another crosscountry Christmas Tour. The tour ends at The Savoy on December 22 and tickets are now on sale.
*****
Celtic Colours is underway! One day down, eight more to go! Check the website, there are still tickets available for shows in the local area. This afternoon at 2 p.m., there’s a Celtic Colours All Ages Family Ceilidh taking place at the New Dawn Centre for Social Innovation (Holy Angels) in Sydney. Tonight, Elmer Fraser’s first dance of the season will take place at the Cedars Club with music by Colin Grant and Friends.
The Ceilidhs return to St. Michael’s Hall in Baddeck until after Celtic Colours. On Wednesday, Ashley MacIsaac and Mary Elizabeth MacInnis play The Barn in Margaree Valley, and Friday, there’s a Celtic Colours square dance at the Boisdale Hall with Michael Hall, Donna Marie DeWolfe and Hilda Chiasson.
Get into the Halloween spirit with Savoy’s live presentation of The Rocky Horror Show on October 26 and 27. On November 2 at 7 p.m., there’s an All Ages Square Dance at Riverview High School, Coxheath. Music by Kyle and Sheumus MacNeil (of the Barra MacNeils) along with some of the students.
Dan MacDonald from Ironville (and Ontario) will be in town on November 8 for the local release of his Rural/ Urban CD at the Highland Arts Theatre. With him will be most of the crew who played on the CD including five of his Ontario musical friends. The following night, Pretty Archie hosts a Release Party for their latest CD, Hanging On, at Centre 200. The Coast Radio will be presenting their third annual Fundraising Concert at The Savoy Theatre on November 20.