Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
It was always deemed a privilege to be allowed access into the confines of a parlour, the chance to talk openly, perhaps even frankly of the business of the day or of some particular trouble that was vexing the local community. It was also a place where the women of the household could do what they did best in the grander houses of the period, that of being gracious in the art of listening, making sure the right stories were handed down and to be the real power behind the throne; in any household.
This power behind the throne is no different when it comes to Michelle Burke and her rather sensational, whimsical beauty Step Into My Parlour. It is the power of conversation, of regaling tales and stories which have far reaching effects and marks the difference between the sexes, the basic code of authority lays not in the stern or the austere but in the language of the coaxed story, the unguarded secret allowed to breath. It is why women are far better communicators then men and why when it all boils down to the basic point of life, women are so much more adaptable than those who believe they rule the roost.
Michelle Burke’s Step Into My Parlour typifies this grand approach, of the gentle alliance between the story and the power to tell it well and have the listener enthralled enough to understand what is actually implied is to step into her shoes, to feel the persuasion of the sentences wanting to live and the characters to breathe. It is the hybrid of the art of the Progressive wrapped in the cloak of Irish Folk and it is awash with sympathy and charm throughout.
Aided by the likes of James Ross, Cathal McConnell, Brendan Power and Kathleen Boyle, the songs have the one other power available which few take up the challenge of doing, of putting a huge smile on the face as if relieved of your burden, it is the tidings of joy found at many a Celtic wake.
Tracks such as Eileen O’ Grady, Dublin Diner, the cautionary tale of love across supposed social boundaries, the truly fantastic Whooped and Died and the tremendous album finisher of Dear Old Donegal make Step Into My Parlour almost ritualistic, almost a relaxed ceremony of innocent wonder that it should be placed into the category of required listening when life feels as though nobody is listening.
An album of surprising warmth and humility, Michelle Burke really does make you feel welcome in her cosy parlour.
Ian D. Hall