This show is something of a homecoming for this quartet of fabulous folky fiddlers as they reveal that it was as part of the Folkworks project, right here at the Sage, that they first came together. Also, we are told, Liza Carthy has just been appointed as the rather grandly titled "Artistic Associate" for the project and if all that breathless excitement isn't enough then we discover that this is the opening night of what Carthy refers to as their "brief but meaningful tour" consisting of just eight dates across the country culminating in the glamorous climes of Maidstone.
A fine album entitled "Laylam" appeared late in 2013 and it forms pretty much the entirety of the set tonight. What we have is four female fiddles with four stupendous soaring voices and minimal occasional percussion provided by Carthy's thumping bass drum and some gentle ankle percussion from Kate Young. They launch into the opening track from the album "Greasy Coat", a speedy romp through a list of stuff that these gals ain't gonna do at all. The voices soar and lock into some superb harmony with a huge uplifting chorus and layers of intricate fiddle playing.
All four musicians look happy to be up on the stage and the set is peppered with chat and smiles and they work to involve the full house in their banter. Carthy gets to show off her shoes purchased 20 years ago but never worn until tonight (!) and very splendid they look too. The songs are drawn from a variety of sources and include a superb take on the old Patsy Cline classic 'Walkin' After Midnight' which hovers between country and folk with a fine spine-tingling vocal from Bella Hardy. Also we get a gorgeous 'Sally Free and Easy" with a heartfelt Farrell vocal with some beautiful fiddle underpinning the sad tale of woe. 'Chickens in the Garden' which Liza learned from her Uncle Michael, provides a humorous interlude with a tale about a Yorkshire framer and his daughters romantic intentions. Fine stuff.
The highlight comes around mid set with a simply stunning 'Why Don't You Do Right' that has the most beautiful four-part harmony sailing over the heavenly melody. Buddy Miller's 'Wide River' , also covered by the great Levon Helm, is another superb Farrell performance that illustrates that the quartet reside somewhere in the regions between country and folk and can't accurately be pinned down. Carthy's song 'June is the Coldest Month' is another peak with a touch of saw playing from Farrell that gives the song an ethereal quality with a haunting edge to it.
During the albums title track 'Laylam', which Carthy points out, isn't actually on the album, the fiddlers look as they are going to get into a Status Quo type huddle at the front of the stage. Thankfully they manage to avoid this rockiest move and encore with a gorgeous a-Capella 'Better Home' and, after much bowing and waving, they are off into the night still smiling. This was an excellent evening’s entertainment from a supremely talented quartet.
Words & Photo: Greg Johnson
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