Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Award-winning band Clannad said farewell to Liverpool, and Liverpool said a reluctant sad farewell to Clannad.
It’s been 50 years since this exceptional Irish band from Donegal bounced onto the music scene with their eclectic mix of traditional Celtic music and new age ethereal vibes.
Legendary, influential and culturally important, the band was formed in 1970 by siblings Moya, Ciaran and Pol Brennan and their uncles Noel and Padraig Duggan. Unfortunately, Padraig passed away in 2016 and the band gave him a “shout out” at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall last night to the delight of a packed audience. For a short time, sister Enya had been part of the line-up but now ploughs her own path.
It was the four remaining members, Moya, Ciaran, Pol and Noel, with backing musicians, including drumming supremo Ged Lynch, who brought the haunting atmospheric renditions of ancient folk tunes and modern film music to this valedictory performance.
Moya, with her trade-mark dark flowing hair wore a red velvet dress with white collar and cuffs to start the show, the stage bathed in swirling coloured lights, immediately affecting a magical atmosphere to set the scene.
They kicked off with a string of pure Irish melodies accompanied by Moya’s tinkling harp, including Maighdean Mhara, Buachaill On Eirne, and Coinleach Ghlas till they came to tracks later in their career such as the themes from Robin of Sherwood. This was where most of the audience really clicked into their performance, as much of their early work is probably unknown to most punters.
The second half included more Irish and Scottish tracks but moved on the haunting theme from Harry’s Game and I will Find You from Last of the Mohicans, as well as a newly penned track from their new In a Lifetime Anthology Album A Celtic Dream, which is due to be released to celebrate their farewell.
Whilst the Celtic songs are wonderful it’s when the fuller sound of drum and base kick in that the audience hears the soul-searing sound that marks their otherworldly melded vocals and instrumentals that music lovers have grown to love. Moya’s voice is still pure and full though not totally perfect, however, in a career that has lasted over 50 years the jewels that have dropped from her lips are a treasure to hold.
Liverpool was the fourth stop on the 18-month tour that will take in the London Palladium on St Patricks Day, as well as dates across the U.K., Europe, Australasia, North America, Japan and the South East.
Clannad, or family, may not be touring again – but the fan and those yet to immerse themselves into the sound still have their music, which will last forever.
Jeanette Smith