Articles by James Masterson
The Waterboys Present: An Appointment with Mr Yeats -The Abbey Theatre, Dublin
Mike Scott, Steven Wickham and an international mix of talented musicians planted their roots firmly in the historic Abbey Theatre. The setting is apt as a conscious homage to the master poet William Butler Yeats. A selection from at least twenty five of Yeats’ poems and plays, spanning both famous and lesser known works,…
Judy Collins – The National Concert Hall, Dublin
The radiant septuagenarian Judy Collins returned to Dublin on Monday night. This was her first gig here since last years intimate Whelan’s set. This however was the far more formal setting of the National Concert Hall, a venue which does her vocal skills great justice. Competently supported by her label mate Kenny White, she…
Eddi Reader – The Button Factory, Dublin
The scintillating Eddi Reader returned to Dublin on Friday night to promote last year’s Love Is The Way album. This was a far more stripped down version than the previous gig, with a four-piece acoustic band made up of great guitarist and main songwriter Boo Hewerdine, accordion player Alan Kelly and Trash Can Sinatra…
The Chieftains and Ry Cooder album preview
In keeping with their preference The Chieftains have recently teamed up with a host of other artists, including their old partners in crime, Ry Cooder, for their first album in over six years, which is due out in March. The concept album San Patricio tells the story of the Wild Geese who deserted the…
Sharon Shannon – Saints and Scoundrels
Everyone’s favourite Auntie returns, showing us just how diverse her tastes and abilities are. Saints And Scoundrels is a solid collection of tunes with an upbeat feel, with a wealth of special guests joining Sharon and her band for the pleasant ride.
Included are a couple of exclusives. Imelda May’s upbeat rockabilly track ‘Go…
Interview with Buster of Bad Manners
On the 13th December, Bad Manners bring their truly mad blend of ska, reggae and punk to the Academy in Dublin. You can expect an energetic display from the crowd, egged on by Doug Trendle and his troupe of exceptionally talented musicians.
Trendle has been touting his wares around the world solidly as Buster…
Marillion – The Button Factory, Dublin
With no support for tonight’s gig Marillion came on early and did two short acoustic sets, which caught a few fans by surprise. But that didn’t faze this hard working band; hardly imaginative in their set order – they played their latest album in its original tracklisting from start to finish. However, never ones…
Little Boots, The Academy
2009 is the year of Little Boots, or Victoria Hesketh to her mum. She has certainly found fame from Jools Holland to sell out tour of the UK and Ireland. Her debut show on these shores did not do her status any harm and perhaps only disappointed in its shortness. As Little Boots herself…
Spiral Stairs – The Real Feel
As one of the main contributors to Pavement in the 90’s, then Preston School of Industry for the last decade, Scott Kannberg is now the man and main contributor behind Spiral Stairs. This album still features the members of Preston but the sound here is very much his own as opposed to the bands’.…
Kate Walsh – Light & Dark
This being her third album in seven years, you couldn’t accuse Kate Walsh of being prolific compared to many of her peers. She has, however, changed her style over time. This release is far more country rock than the jazzier pop of Tim’s House, yet it still retains the beautifully constructed vulnerability of both…
The Cave Singers – Welcome Joy
The Cave Singers’ sound has certainly developed since their successful 2007 debut album, Invitation Songs. Recorded in Vancouver, Welcome Joy, exhibits more variety than their original signature blend of Americana meets English folk.
The alt-county nasal vocal and laid-back slide guitar picking are still there from the outset. The opening track, ‘Summer Light’, is…
Yusuf Islam – O2, Dublin
Back on the world stage for the first time in thirty three years (and for the first time ever on these shores), Yusuf Islam has chosen to make his return in a decidedly eclectic and non-conformist manner. It was, undoubtedly, a spectacular way to make your Irish debut – the massive, near sell out,…
The Basics – Keep Your Friends Close
Perhaps unsurprisingly given their Australasian roots, The Basics kick off their second album sounding not unlike Crowded House: by no means a bad start. Despite initial hopes, Keep Your Friends Close is missing many of the, as yet unrecorded, highlights of their live set. Which is a shame, because, some of the songs on…
Pama International – Pama Outernational
Pama International are a true band of all stars, perhaps most famous for becoming the first new act to sign to the legendary Trojan Records in 30 years. Boasting a who’s who of members and associates in the wider music world including The Specials, The Loafers, PWEI, Steel Pulse and Bentley Rhythm Ace, finally…
