Early Folk songs during the '60s i.e. Sweeney's Men, The Johnstons, Emmet Spiceland etc. Later on Planxty had a large impact, as did De Dannan. But also Eagles, Joni Mitchell, Dan Fogleberg, etc. Oh and of course the wonderful Dick Gaughan!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqBcSwk1yFo
Sounds Like
FROM IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE
Let me run a metaphoric game by you. If you had to describe an album and a singer as a food or drink, could you pick a menu to match any given artist? Well for me Niamh Parsons would be a full blooded Spanish Rioja, a deep rich wine, full of character, with a hint of iron behind a complex blend of experience and flavours.
Full grown adult material is always to be expected on a Niamh Parson’s album. She’s a singer who doesn’t need to compromise her integrity by selecting tracks that might get a bit of airtime, or that will appeal to one demographic or another. Her music like a good Rioja is for connoisseurs who know the singing tradition intimately.
SEAN LAFFEY
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Niamh Parsons & Graham Dunne
Live At Fylde (Gramsham Records)
Here's an album reflecting in every way the sheer presence of, and unadorned gentle perfection of the totally exemplary performance given by, the gorgeous singer Niamh and guitarist Graham, her touring partner (I hesitate to use the word “accompanist”, for so integral - and integrated - is his contribution to the musical experience). Although neither Niamh nor Graham wastes a single note or nuance in their matchless renditions of predominantly traditional songs, there's never a feeling of perfunctory auto-pilot readthrough about their performances, instead we get a quality of stillness, a measured calm that in its very poise builds around it the space for the interpretations to breathe and grow (even the brisk tempo of Blackbirds And Thrushes enables a suitably breezy take on the song's carefree view of love without seeming unduly rushed). But words just cannot describe the rapturous effect on this listener of the definite highlights of this 50-minute set (which was recorded live at Fylde Folk Festival last year by Alistair Russell) - like One Morning In May, An Páistín Fionn, The Kilnamartyra Exile, Ron Kavana's The Men That God Made Mad (this one benefiting from a beautifully controlled instrumental coda, L'Intrada De L'Angestura) and Tom Waits' The Briar And The Rose (with some sublime extra vocal harmonies by guest Tony Gibbons). What matter if Niamh has recorded much of this material before, for the extra intensity of these live readings is palpable, not least in the expression of the fathomlessly deep musical and yes, spiritual bond between Niamh and Graham. I'm convinced that rarely if ever has such unassuming talent and musicianship - in just the one musician! - been so mesmerisingly at the service of a singer in this repertoire - and yet just take a listen to Graham's deftly virtuosic set of solo jigs literally stopping the show halfway through the album! Actually, I'm not entirely sure that the sequence presented on this album preserves the correct set-list running order (I'm willing to stand corrected on this however), but even if that's so then it's an extremely miniscule reservation on what is in every respect one of those hen's-teeth “would've given all to be there” live records (you can tell that by the ultra-enthusiastic reception Niamh and Graham get from the audience).
www.niamhparsons.com
David Kidman
www.netrhythms.com
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this folk-carol on myspace... Poem 230 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (see my blog for details): CHRISTMAS SUNG SIMPLY
As gospellers have said, Beneath signalling skies, On land dusty to tread, A trough in a stable Was the strawy first-bed Of a divine baby - The forgiving Godhead.
A season for new hope - There then and here now; The yuletide of goodwill - There then and here now.
In respect of this chance, Beneath bright or dark skies, Faith's the star that we glance Attending Christ's churches And trying to enhance, With singing and ritual, Our God-loving stance.
Hi Niamh Hope this finds you well.Hows all the germans.My 2 eldest lads love germany and daughter just back from school tour in Heidleberg.Us 2nd years are lost without you.All the best.Hope The Green Fields of America is on the list.Tim
Good to have you as a friend! So great to see the internet in action this way, shortening distances between people.
I hope all's well with you and that you enjoy checking out my web site some time.
For occasional, new, refreshing, insightful and (possibly?!) valuable content, I encourage you to sign up for my free newsfeed/email newsletter (using the form on site at page right - high quality, low quantity, no spam!).
You might enjoy watching some of my films (use the on screen controls to skip between them):
After you've finished here, you may like to hear this poem sung on myspace...
Poem 162 of 230, WalkaboutsVerse (please see my blog): TEES TO TYNE: FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001
Where traditions are not so rare; Sea, country and works scent the air; A multitude of monuments, Planted tubs and patterned pavements.
The longish pedestrian malls; The remnants of defensive walls; Historic buildings are a gauge Of the respect for heritage.
Wheat, rape and pines in the fields; Estuaries guarded by shields; Long sandy beaches and wide scenes; Romantic-ruin go-betweens.
Rivers in parts licked by trees, Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries, And crossed by practical delights - Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.
Fine churches headed at Durham; Football kits ad infinitum; Kept castles - one for study; Masonry behind masonry.
And, with moulding-works out that way, It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?
Hey you! We are going to be on Cbs's "Better Connecticut" this friday!!! then the day after we are playing in Westport, Ct with Sherwood. Come check our new music out as well! Thanks for all your time and support.
Cool e sin Niamh, will be parking things for a while in the MOW..... Album 2 is cooking nicely at the moment and may be out of the oven by November.... We'll see what the Winter brings.....Best of luck 2moro btw
