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Elly Roberts reviews

Welsh eyes were smiling as The Fureys and Davey Arthur, turned on the Irish charm at the Stiwt Theatre in Rhos near Wrexham. Dropping in as part of their three stage UK tour for 2004, the Irish folksters have just celebrated 25 years as one of Ireland’s leading bands. Sadly, now down to a quintet after the sudden death of angel – voiced bassist Derek McCormack, they managed to soldier on in true troubadour fashion. This, their second visit in twelve months, and a show in Shrewsbury did not help the attendance figures, however they turned on the style. The combo, led by charismatic frontman Eddie Furey (right with Davey Arthur), thrilled the hundred strong crowd with Emerald Isle gems. Basically following last year’s format, Eddie told jokes between songs – and they’re always good ones too.

Their broad church of traditional and contemporary music still has mass appeal. It’s not just the music that’s so wonderful, but their versatility, as they regularly move from one instrument to another with consummate ease, such as squeeze – box, mandolin, acoustic guitar, banjo and bodhran. All were used to maximum effect as their casually strolled through a setlist that both lifts the soul and almost makes you weep. Many a time I had a lump in my throat as they gave tributes to their late friend McCormack, and brother Paul. The content was littered with stories which we can all identify with - lost love, drunkenness, betrayal, and one hell of a lot of humour. This was reflected in their ‘ happy goy lucky ‘ presentation, which is a major part of their winning formula. Instrumentally they were quite stunning, but what gripped me the most was their vocal harmony which puts the icing on the cake, as found on the opener Clare To Here, and Steal Away. They also upped the atmosphere with foot – tappers like McShane, and Mad Lady. Lashings of accordion and mandolin by Monty Mooney and Steve Leech gave great texture to the gentle ballad The Grand Affair. Other highlights included Charlie Chaplin’s Sing A Song with George Furey (right) sublime solo, Sweet Sixteen and Red Rose Café which brought the biggest applause. Davey Arthur featured heavily as expected, and gave a formidable performance throughout, dazzling everyone with his skills on Mason’s Apron. Their tribute CD to Charlie Chaplin is due for release this year in the States and Switzerland.

Review & pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004.

DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TXW32R4 32" widescreen TV connected to either a Creative Dxr2 DVD-ROM player or Microsoft Xbox and played through a Sony STR-DB930 amplifier.

PC games reviewed by the editor are on: