Lorna Irvine reviews 'a triumphant night' at the Mitchell Theatre for Celtic Connections.
Opening act Gria start as a trio, with lead singer Ceitlin LR Smith absent having performed at another venue and running late. When she turns up, cringing, grinning and full of apologies, her lovely, pure voice brings a 3D quality to their traditional adapted folk sound.
This young, charming and chatty quartet have quite a pedigree already, having performed many times at Celtic Connections and across numerous world and folk festivals abroad. Wonderful fiddler Louise Bichan was tutored by none other than legendary musician Alasdair Roberts, and they were recipients last year of Danny Kyle's Open Stage Award.
All too often, there is a slight tendency to play it safe and pretty--I would like to see them cut loose more as their reels and sea shanties need more grit. They are at their most compelling, however, with bittersweet keening songs, such as the spine-tingling Long Time Traveller or Lowlands showcasing resonant harmonies. But it's an uncertain airing of new song One Day on the Misty Mountains that is the real winner, with elliptical spindly rhythms. More of that please, and less Runrig covers!
Headliners Des Temps Antan received a massive hero's welcome. Featuring members of Quebec's feted Vent du Nord and La Bottine Souriante, their pan-European style, influenced by generations of their families and often including a Cajun influence, is stomping, jolly and life-affirming. The call-and-response financial anthem Plus D'Argent (More Money) is the first highlight of a sometimes rather cheesy set, particularly when the lead vocals are performed by accordion player Pierre-Luc Dupois. He is a little grating, it has to be said. I have never been an admirer of 'deedle-de-de-de-dee' folk songs (except for the Cabaret soundtrack, of course!) but when the band hit their stride, they are something truly special.
With the far earthier singer, mandolin and bouzouki player Eric Beaudry providing the lead on lament Jeune et Jolie (Young and Pretty—nothing to do with last year's dodgy film!) the set acquires an edgy sound. On quicker songs, the percussion is often by foot, with their foot-stomping inducing fellow scribe and nice chap Keith Bruce to 'gi'e it laldy'—both his and theirs are very entertaining to watch!
That doesn't mean it is all a one-note performance. The instrumental lullaby La Fee des Dents (Tooth Fairy Tune), inspired by violinist Andre Brunet's son losing his first tooth, could easily have been mawkish, but is gorgeous with a cyclical riff which sticks in the brain like a dream. Ultimately, a triumphant night for the charismatic trio after a slightly wobbly start. C'est formidable!
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