Anyone at the Altan concert in Builth Wells last night? Just wanted to share something of the experience. We drove 3 hours (each way) to be there- (for our American friends, that's a long way on the British mental map!).
A hundred-odd seat venue in a small mid-Welsh town- the sort of place that keeps the performing arts alive in the provinces, while presumably hardly making ends meet. This was about as intimate as it gets, outside the players' kitchen- I exaggerate only a little.
Altan live were everything you'd hope they'd be. Mairead, the epitome of grace, looking left and right, shepherding her boys. Ciaran T., the wicked quipper, suffering no fools. Mark, the sparky, bespectacled one, who'd happily talk to you in the pub. Ciaran C., the tonsured, twinkly-eyed Trappist. And Dermot, the sensitive, understated one. Some interesting human dynamics here.
About the music, what can you say? Mairead really *does* sing that sweetly, Ciaran really is a fiddle genius, the backers are totally expert in their sensitive trade, and each one gets the chance to solo. The zouk and guitar both broke strings- how's that for committed?
Two contrasting fiddle styles side by side- Mairead unorthodox, half way down the bow and generous with the upper arm, Ciaran all wrist flick and control, cards close to chest ( you can tell I'm (hem) expert in these matters...)
OK, I'm sounding like a groupie, I know, and these guys have done this thousands of times. But there was no 'big star' stuff here- just warm, simple contact with the audience.
Worth every mile and every penny. Thanks, Altan.
Steve, one reason I plumped for Waleswas that the Sidmouth ticketing process seemed a bit mystical- as I understood it, they were only making tickets available for the Altan gig online in June, and then only so many etc. Hope you make it through the maze!
My in-laws live there and are in on the ticket-buying shenanigans. I'm hoping that the Altan gig will be my birthday treat from them as last time. I'm in their wily and capable hands!
Altan was here, in South Central Florida a couple months ago, and wow!! They are still my favorite band ever since the days with Frankie, and their sound just keeps getting stronger. What a show they gave us, and with only half the hall filled,(we don't get much here in the line of great Irish music, just a few every now and again). They were just masterful, gracious, and humble, and we all could see they were having a great time on stage....all smiles and joking about.........what more can ya say about such a talented group of professionals. Thank you Altan!
They are a great band. They came through Portland in early March, and gave a lovely performance. They do look like they are having a great time onstage. Touring must be difficult, but they play the music with such joy and energy you would never know that they were doing this night after night.
Many years ago I bought two sets of tickets, one for my parents to see Capercaillie, (my Dad,a long time Chieftains fan, had a thing for Capercaillie) and one set for myself and partner to see this newish trad band Altan who I knew where great. Unfortunately the Capercaillie gig was loud and full of fake fog whilst the Altan gig was the best ever and I knew even as I sat there watching and listening that this was the gig my Dad should have gone to. I have always regretted not just getting four tickets for Altan and I can imagine they have only got better. Thanks for the review you have reminded me what it was that blew me away back then!
Thanks, Altan
Thanks, Altan
Anyone at the Altan concert in Builth Wells last night? Just wanted to share something of the experience. We drove 3 hours (each way) to be there- (for our American friends, that's a long way on the British mental map!).
A hundred-odd seat venue in a small mid-Welsh town- the sort of place that keeps the performing arts alive in the provinces, while presumably hardly making ends meet. This was about as intimate as it gets, outside the players' kitchen- I exaggerate only a little.
Altan live were everything you'd hope they'd be. Mairead, the epitome of grace, looking left and right, shepherding her boys. Ciaran T., the wicked quipper, suffering no fools. Mark, the sparky, bespectacled one, who'd happily talk to you in the pub. Ciaran C., the tonsured, twinkly-eyed Trappist. And Dermot, the sensitive, understated one. Some interesting human dynamics here.
About the music, what can you say? Mairead really *does* sing that sweetly, Ciaran really is a fiddle genius, the backers are totally expert in their sensitive trade, and each one gets the chance to solo. The zouk and guitar both broke strings- how's that for committed?
Two contrasting fiddle styles side by side- Mairead unorthodox, half way down the bow and generous with the upper arm, Ciaran all wrist flick and control, cards close to chest ( you can tell I'm (hem) expert in these matters...)
OK, I'm sounding like a groupie, I know, and these guys have done this thousands of times. But there was no 'big star' stuff here- just warm, simple contact with the audience.
Worth every mile and every penny. Thanks, Altan.
# Posted on April 29th 2007 by P-K
Re: Thanks, Altan
You should take up reviewing, P-K. Fine description. Made me think I was there...well maybe not quite, but nearly......
# Posted on April 29th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Thanks, Altan
Ah, well now, Danny, I have been known to make a penny or two at it in me time in the non-musical realm.
# Posted on April 29th 2007 by P-K
Re: Thanks, Altan
as I thought....
# Posted on April 29th 2007 by Key Maniac Lad
Re: Thanks, Altan
I'm an Altan groupie too after I saw them at Sidmouth in 2003. I'm hoping to repeat the experience this year!
# Posted on April 29th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Thanks, Altan
Steve, one reason I plumped for Waleswas that the Sidmouth ticketing process seemed a bit mystical- as I understood it, they were only making tickets available for the Altan gig online in June, and then only so many etc. Hope you make it through the maze!
# Posted on April 29th 2007 by P-K
Re: Thanks, Altan
My in-laws live there and are in on the ticket-buying shenanigans. I'm hoping that the Altan gig will be my birthday treat from them as last time. I'm in their wily and capable hands!
# Posted on April 29th 2007 by Steve Shaw
Re: Thanks, Altan
Altan was here, in South Central Florida a couple months ago, and wow!! They are still my favorite band ever since the days with Frankie, and their sound just keeps getting stronger. What a show they gave us, and with only half the hall filled,(we don't get much here in the line of great Irish music, just a few every now and again). They were just masterful, gracious, and humble, and we all could see they were having a great time on stage....all smiles and joking about.........what more can ya say about such a talented group of professionals. Thank you Altan!
# Posted on April 29th 2007 by westcoastfluter
Re: Thanks, Altan
They are a great band. They came through Portland in early March, and gave a lovely performance. They do look like they are having a great time onstage. Touring must be difficult, but they play the music with such joy and energy you would never know that they were doing this night after night.
# Posted on April 29th 2007 by Batlady
Re: Thanks, Altan
Yes, must be tiring, especially since they have Mairead and Dermot's little one in tow (Nia, who looks after the accounts according to Ciaran!)
# Posted on April 29th 2007 by P-K
Re: Thanks, Altan
Many years ago I bought two sets of tickets, one for my parents to see Capercaillie, (my Dad,a long time Chieftains fan, had a thing for Capercaillie) and one set for myself and partner to see this newish trad band Altan who I knew where great. Unfortunately the Capercaillie gig was loud and full of fake fog whilst the Altan gig was the best ever and I knew even as I sat there watching and listening that this was the gig my Dad should have gone to. I have always regretted not just getting four tickets for Altan and I can imagine they have only got better. Thanks for the review you have reminded me what it was that blew me away back then!
# Posted on April 29th 2007 by flossie
Re: Thanks, Altan
Just a reminder of the real thing- enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJDTQW87w-s
# Posted on April 30th 2007 by P-K
Re: Thanks, Altan
Why are you committed if you break a string?
# Posted on May 1st 2007 by dafydd
Re: Thanks, Altan
I'll remain non-commital on that.
# Posted on May 1st 2007 by P-K