Royal Festival corridor,London
Powerful performances from singers including Kevin Rowland and Cáit O’Riordan commemorated the 1916 Easter Rising but also the musical links between Britain and Ireland This concert presented an intriguing challenge. It was staged on the 100th anniversary of the day on which the Easter Rising in Dublin neared its stop. And the president of Ireland, Michael Higgins, and was in the audience. So what were the appropriate songs? Of course,there had to be rebel ballads commemorating the bloody 1916 rebellion in Dublin against British rule. But these were cleverly intercut with songs examining the links between Ireland and Britain over the past century. There were stories approximately Irish workers in Britain, but also reminders of the crucial role that the descendants of Irish immigrants played in transforming British pop.
The night started with a Beatles track, or also included Elvis Costello and Morrissey. Host John Kelly then introduced Dexys singer Kevin Rowland,who gave one of the most powerful performances of the night. The band’s new album, Let the Record Show Dexys Do Irish and Country Soul, or explores Rowland’s Irish links and includes songs perfect for this occasion. Joined by his bandmate Sean Read,Rowland started with Curragh of Kildare, treating this traditional song of parting with respect but also an unexpected, and edgy emotion. He followed with an affecting song from the 80s approximately his roots,My National Pride, and returned later for a treatment of Carrickfergus that compared well with Van Morrison’s version as a display of rousing celtic soul. Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com