Arcanadh: An Evening to Remember October 21st, 2004 Close vocal harmonies, original songs and traditiomd airs performed with aplomb were what the audience who attended the Castleblayney debut of Arcanadh were treated to last Sunday evening. This new and exciting group who hit the headlines recently with the launch of theii new album ''Soundings'' lived up to their pre performance publicity and more. Those who have heard the album have raved about it, those who heard the group live, were spellbound. They bring together accomplished musicians who not only play with style but have that added ingredient of love of their music which pernicates their performance and radiates itself to those who are present. The ease with which they perform may well hide the hard work that has gone into the developing the special blend that is theirs'. The rich mixture of baritone and bass voices of Martin Gallen and Colm Breathnach blend so melodically with the beautiful, soprano and contralto voices of the other four female members, Sinead Gibson, Joan Walshe, Maria Corbet and Margaret Gallen, to give a most pleasing and unique sound adding to the rich range of traditional Irish groups presently performing in Ireland and abroad.  From their opening song Érin mo Chroí, they set the tone and the standard for the evening. This emigrants song which dates back to the 1920s was a very good reflection of the quality that was to follow. While they focused mainly on Irish music they found space within their repertoire for a couple of English folk songs and especially memorable was their rendition of William and Davey and Let The Cold Wind Blow sung by the beautifully rich and resonant voice of Margaret Gallen, this tale of unrequited love was a song to savour. Margaret who also played keyboard and fiddle was central to the overall sound and melodic tone of the group. There were some moving songs too and among them was Martin Gallen's performance of his own composition Guerra Civil. This told the sad but too often true tale of two childhood friends on different sides in a Civil War. In their case it was the Spanish Civil War. In another of his compositions, Calling The Traveller, Martin evoked the haunting memories of his visit to Clare mingled with his own special memories. The entire group held their own in their solo performances. Maria Corbet,.who also played harp and Sinead Gibson who also played guitar and tin whistle, were other examples of the rich talent that is Arcanadh. All of this was held together by the fast talking and quick witted group leader Colm Breathnach who established a good rapport with the audience and kept everything free flowing and well paced. Hailing from Ring, Co. Waterford, his mandolin and banjo playing was not only stylish and accomplished but clearly flowed from one who is steeped in the tradition of Irish music. Castleblayney can be justly proud if it's two group members Martin and Margaret Gallen. They like the other group members gave us an evening to remember and an opportunity to spend some time in the company of real talent. Talent which they have honed and refined to provide a beautiful mix of voice and instrument and make Arcanadh a group from whom a lot more will be heard in the coming years.   « Return to News