wow, i just returned from a house concert that was put on at a friends place. They were able to have John Doyle (solas) and Liz Carroll (all ireland fiddling champ) play. It was an intimate affair with approx 40 people in attendance. I have to say i spent most of my time with my jaw gaping open. What talent. Liz Carroll was fantastic but to me anyway the highlight was John Doyles guitar playing. Ive never seen a guitar played like that before. Anyway i believe they have planned some actual concert dates and places. All i can say is that if you ever get a chance to see them play do go as you wont regret it.
You were really lucky to get to see them in an intimate setting – mostly they only play concerts and festivals. I’ve seen them a bunch of times, but never in a crowd of less than 150 people. (Unless you count classes and sessions.)
They’re great, and really nice people to boot. Definitely not to be missed.
Interesting. I just saw Martin Hayes and Dennis Cahill at the Austin Celtic Festival and the effect was just the opposite. Dennis’ guitar playing was great but he insisted on remaining subservient to Martin’s fiddle 98% of the time, just droning away on indeterminate chords for tune after tune. The result, through technically cool, got pretty old after 30 minutes or so and seemed unbalanced.
I see John is appearing with Liz Carroll in Berkeley at the Freight and Salvage on Nov. 13 and the next day in Santa Cruz. (-More dates and soundbites of his guitar on his website)