Celtic Connection – Brian Ó hEadhra at concert Ceol ’s Craic

January 23, 2010

Review by spailpín fánach on Oak & Thorn

This was the last of the three team efforts between Celtic Connections and Ceol ’s Craic to offer an evening of Gaelic music and conversation (with occasional translations for those of us who only know a word or two).

The first singer of the evening was Noeleen ni Cholla. This petite woman has a “big” voice with lots of range and emotion in her singing.  Her remarkable talent was showcased in a variety of songs, ranging from the usual slow sad ballads to lively works. Brian Ó hEadhra shared the first half of the evening with ni Cholla, and the two of them did a fine job. O hEadhra’s golden voice and gentle guitar work, both solo and with ni Cholla, rounded out an excellent first half.

Ni Cholla’s duet with Brian Ó hEadhra on “Nil se’n La” was one of the evening’s highlights.  They combined both of the usual stylings, starting with the slow version before charging into a toe-tapper, the version made famous by Clannad and Solas.   I wish I could give the titles for some of the other great songs they shared, but I’m one of those folks who knows about five words of Gaelic.

Ó hEadhra then did a solo set, showcasing his fine, expressive voice.  He sang in both Irish and Scottish Gaelic to good effect, impressing us enough to buy the last of his CDs.