From a Review of
Mick's CD The Ominous and the Luminous
THIS DEBUT album
by Northumbrian singer and flautist Mick Sands is delightful mixture of original
compositions and arrangements of traditional tunes originating from the
north east of England, Ireland and further afield.
Produced in collaboration
with guitarist Clive Carroll, a talented composer and performer, it's hard to
believe, given Sands' own pedigree, that the album is his first.
Born into a
musical family, Sands has been performing since his youth. During a spell in
Manchester where he was studying at university, he made lifelong musical
friendships with Londoners Kevin Boyle and John Roe. He also befriended the
legendary fiddler Des Donnelly (senior).
On moving to London, he soon became
associated with the Irish session scene there, and still is. However, he has
also built up a formidable reputation for adapting medieval and ethnic vocal
music for use in the theatre, having worked for some of the most prestigious in
the land, including as the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and the Royal
National Theatre (RNT).
As might be expected given Sands' background,
there's a fair smattering of songs from the north east. These include a number
from " Northumbrian Minstrelsy".
These include the album's opener 'Up
the Raw' and 'I Drew My Ship', a song about lost opportunities in love.
The original Sands composition, 'Where the Deerness Flows', is a poignant
reflection on the dramatic changes that have taken place in recent years in the
once industrious west Durham coalfield.
Sands' love of Irish music can be found throughout
the album. In addition to the reels , there's a haunting version of the
pentatonic Fermanagh love song 'Lough Erne's Shore', a song from the Irish
medieval tradition,'Donal Og', and an arrangement of 'Cunla', learnt from the
legendary piper Seamus Ennis. ........an album that will warm the hearts and
stimulate the intelligence of folk music lovers, from wherever they hail. An
absolute delight.
David Granville in the Irish Democrat
Friday 7th DECEMBER
Christmas
Party with
Bob DAVENPORT
Roger DIGBY, Will DUKE, Dan QUINN
and Alex WEST
No superlatives needed for our favourite group of traditional
entertainers.
Friday 11th January 2008
NEW DEAL
STRING BAND
We are pleased to welcome the legendary TOM
PALEY, JOE LOCKER
and BEN PALEY.
London-based Old Time String Band featuring
fiddle,
5-string banjo and guitar , Tom and Joe have worked together
since 1966
and Ben’s fine fiddle playing is a recent welcome
addition.
With Gail Williams and Jim Younger.
FEBRUARY DATES :
Friday
1st BOAT BAND
Friday
29th ROISIN WHITE