Music / folk
Review: The Transatlantic Sessions, Colston Hall
Folk music can often fly under the radar, but BBC4’s The Transatlantic Sessions have become a phenomenon in recent years. The idea, broadly speaking, is to bridge the gap between British and American country music, acknowledging their shared roots.
Shetlander Aly Bain and American Jerry Douglas are behind it all, and last night were joined by country singers Suzy Bogguss, Shawn Camp and The Secret Sisters, while from this side of the pond were vocalists Julie Fowlis and Daoiri Farrell, pipe-man Michael McGoldrick, guitarist Russ Barenberg and, as ever, accordionist Phil Cunningham, amongst others.
The first half of the performance seemed a little disjointed, and the interval dragged. However, the second half definitely picked up. After a virtuoso performance from Douglas on his horizontal lap guitar, Julie Fowlis returned with a rendition of Anne Briggs’ song Go Your Way and a rousing traditional Gaelic song; Daoiri Farrell achieved something truly glorious with Creggan White Hare, while Shawn Camp played a cracking piece of Americana.
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The Secret Sisters, by the way, are a delight – not least for their hilarious preambles. Suzy Bogguss yodelled, which was a treat (I’m fond of yodelling), until she threw unprovoked shade at Beyonce who, she believes, cannot yodel. I would like Beyonce to accept the challenge, but as far as last night is concerned, the gleeful audience gave a standing ovation and went home happy. Aly Bain, Phil Cunningham and The Secret Sisters will all be playing in Bristol again in March, so it’s definitely worth checking them out.
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