Kellys Heroes
What a superb gig at the International Arts Centre to celebrate St Brigids/Imbolc Eve with, as the poster said, two of the finest celtic bands in the country.
First on stage was KELLYS HEROES.
The band were superb, a real breath of fresh air. Great celtic music evoking memories of great older celtic bands. Their set ranges between full tilt jigs, reels and assorted dance tunes, to familiar songs including the likes of "Maids When You're Young" which was re-established by the Dubliners, "The Mingulay Boat Song" (I think The Corries) and ending with a superb version of one of my favourite songs,
Andy M Stewart's "Rambling Rover".
The whole band are musically superb, led by Helen with superb accordion/melodeon and Patrick on fiddle and mandolin all held together by strong rhythmic guitar work from Steve. At the forefront Tony sings beautifully with a strong clear voice and terrific feeling while playing the bodhran.
The whole band played and sang wonderfully throughout with total commitment and love for the music, high energy and hugely invigorating music with powerful songs and tunes that cracked along at a colossal rate of knots.
The band delivered a magnificent set of over more than an hour but it seemed to be over in 10 minutes. An absolute joy to see and hear, absolutely top class, invigorating good time Celtic music... glorious!
They were so good we wondered if anyone could actually follow that on the night but next up were Govannen and of course they could, they are also a superb band.
Although like Kellys Heroes they are a Celtic band and mix songs and tunes throughout they are both very different.
The set was typical of a Govannen gig, with the prime singers taking it in turns starting with a tune set before Dan delivered a rousing version of "When will we be Married" (Waterboys). Chris did a fine job on "The Water is Wide" followed by Roger's interpretation of a Robert Frost poem, "Indian Tea". The set progressed with songs and tunes sets with at times, as Chris said, "A proper ceilidh going on at the back".
The last full piece started with a simply beautiful air played on fiddle by Adele which slowly morphed into a hell for leather set of tunes with the whole band on full power.
The whole set was an absolute treat, Chris delivering some great keyboard, whistles and vocals, and a bit of kalimba, Neil adds the percussion. Roger sings one song and he and Adele must be two of the best fiddle players on the scene and Dan adds bodhran, fiery rhythm guitar and mandolin as well as songs. No two ways, 5 superb musicians full of energy and commitment they are always a real joy.
Govannen
This was a really memorable, joyful evening. Both bands performing brought their A Games and delivered high energy exciting invigorating music for the whole show- two great bands clearly having a ball on stage and thrilling the audience. Absolutely loved it. A magnificent evening!
Keep music live... keep music real... support your local venues”
Rich Wakefield.
