Whatever your assumptions and ideas are surrounding folk's deeply-rooted traditions, this was a spellbinding performance from the genre's latest UK sensation JULIE FOWLIS. For there was absolutely no questioning the immense power of what proved instantly to be a drop-dead gorgeous set from this supremely talented Outer Hebredes' artist and a triumph of her chosen medium for singing songs that washed over any remaining shred of doubt. Tradition's choice really I guess, but even the deep-down truth that every genre of music can be illustrated with both good and bad examples left me unprepared for my compulsive and instantaneous attraction to this sensual and gravity-defying performance.
Bury Met's compact, civilised and intimate theatre setting gave Fowlis the perfect stage to perform, with jaw-dropping results that spelt (I kid you not!) multiple orgasms for the ears as this outstanding singer filled our hearts and minds with her latest material. Yet more songs of mind-bending beauty, alive and resonating with timeless charm, from Julie's brand-new
long-player 'Culidh'
'Mo Dhomhnallan Fhein' ('My Own Donald') was a headswimming start. The capoed complexity of the mandolin and guitar twin-fed the trance as Fowlis' voice soared and surged over what was a melody to die for, making me smile instantly. This was gonna be an excellent gig, this was!
'Song For My Brown-Haired Girl', or 'Mo Ghruagach Dhonn' came next, and was introduced in detail by the unassuming maestro, setting the tone for heartwarming banter with an audience neither she nor her beloved Scots Gaelic were ever in danger of alienating. This was breathlessly beautiful fayre, with splashes of fiddle and gentle harmonics doing their sterling work.
A set of 2 Scottish and 2 Irish ditties followed, complete with mandolinist, Julie's fiancee Eamon Doorley's mischievous translation of one title: "The first one's called 'Hold the Chicken Steady Whilst I Shave His Upper Lip" he grinned,bringing forth belly laughter from the front rows:
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"I've got 20 more concerts with these boys" smiled Fowlis as we cracked up, and another band member introduced the forthcoming track simply as 'The Soup Dragon'
Was this a double or triple rescue story we were hearing? 'Hug air a Bhonaid Mhoir' evoked more smiles for the band as it unfolded, and then jaws dropped as this ultra-complex, upbeat mouth music song from Julie's native Uist seemed to defy gravity on the dextrous lips of this talented singer.
"This is about the heavy burden that is true love": she said by way of an introduction to a tune she sang, fittingly, unaccompanied - and truly mind-blowing it was too. Now subtly bathed in blue light, she was totally bringing the house down.
There was more weird and wonderful mouth music to follow, as the
'Puirt-a-beul Set' seamlessly morphed into a deranged ceilidh, Fowlis rocking from foot to foot as the mandolin and guitar's dual melodic tapestry stunned an already captivated audience. 'Put your teeth in before you kiss me' cracked Eamon, with Julie penny whistling along with a handclapping footstomper of an audience.
The next one concerned "strict fathers, illicit affairs, kidnapping, rescue and moral assault" - more laughter followed by awestruck audience reaction met this brilliant and beautiful song, glowing under the heat of the intensifying guitars. With an encore on mandolin, a beautifully interpreted standard, this had been an evening to remember, and a truly wonderful introduction to the world of folk music.
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