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!
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
Didn't get my paws on the Arnica yet honey but I picked up a Propolis throat spray that nearly choked me... I should try taking it sober maybe and not be smoking at the same time. Hey my band are playing in Ennistymon on Sunday evening around 7 - outdoor festival thing if yourself and Graham need an injection of murder ballads. Take care, Jack.
Hi Nimh! Thanks for the add! Came across you on iTunes while I was looking for a recording of My Lagan Love. You voice made a real impression on me! I was extra happy to find you on Myspace!
Hey Niamh, Tony Small has posted the lyrics of Rye Tearnin on my site if you wanna tell whoever was asking for them that they're there.... Hope you're well. I see you're off to one of my favourite spots...Bally Ferriter... I won't be down, working here in Galway at that time...
what a treat i have for you!! actually, i wanted to talk to you about learning some songs... i know about 3!! hope you have fun in Clare... going to Willie Week?
Hi Niamh, "Sad enough to be happy"....yes, you said it just right! Your voice has a haunting, melodic quality that makes one think of mountain tops and lonely places after dark--but still gives a trill down the spine. I must admit, I've been trying to imitate the richness of your voice and I am but a faded copy. I went to the music store yesterday with my guitar and hung out there singing and playing with new friends and for the first time, my usually shy self started singing out loud--just throwing caution to the wind and singing a kind of jazzy improvisation with one of the guys playing crazy scales!....I got a lot of attention and it felt pretty good to be in the spotlight!! Anyway....Much love to you from your Biggest American Fan! Jurny
Hello Niamh, I bought another CD yesterday and I, of course, Love it! Keep on singing 'cause you make the world happy with your voice! Love, Jurny Hugs Comments
