| Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman 08/12/2007 |
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| Written by sham |
| Saturday, 08 December 2007 00:00 |
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Maire Ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman supported by Blackheart Pop duo, Blackheart opened proceedings with a slick and tuneful 30-minute set of catchy self-penned songs. Guitarist Richard Pilkington showed his instrumental prowess as well as a flair for vocal harmony behind the impressive singing of Chrissy Mostyn. They have recently become regular guests of Bury Metropolitan Cafe featuring in shows with Van Eyken, Eliza Carthy and Rachel Unthank and their original material, together with an affable line in chat, endeared them to an appreciative audience.
Compare Seamus Heffernan made the point that, despite the array of international talent crossing the Centre's threshold in recent times, there had not, hitherto, been an authentic Irish musician on the Mellor Brook stage. West Cork-born Maire Ni Chathasaigh treated an audience numbering over 70, to a variety of traditional and modern material on her French-made celtic harp. Brilliantly supported by some spectacular guitar work from partner Chris Newman, the two 45-minute sets flew by. By the end, we had heard foot-tapping Irish dances, beautiful slow airs, jazz-tinged swing tunes and a touch of the baroque. The pair left the stage to loud cheering from a most appreciative audience many of whom showed further appreciation by buying the duo's latest album, Firewire.
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