CD REVIEW - "County USA" By The Clare Voyants
By George O'Brien
The Irish music scene of Phoenix has experienced a remarkable growth in the number of bands and the quality of music over the last five years. It is not entirely a coincidence that it was five years ago when The Clare Voyants came onto the scene.
The Clare Voyants are Shay Veno on guitar and vocals, Paul Knight on bodhran and vocals, Billy Brett on mandolin and vocals, plus Jane Hilton on fiddle and backup vocals. They are more than simply a great band made up of outstanding musicians. They have changed people's understanding of what Irish music is by bridging the gap between Pub Traditional music and Celtic Rock.
The Clare Voyants wonderful second CD, "County USA" defies easy categorization. It mixes "pub traditional" pieces such as "Crooked Jack" and "The Ferryman" the traditional ballad "She Moved Through the Fair" with contemporary music such as "America Cried" and "Lakes of Ponchartrain". They perform traditional instrumental pieces under titles such as "Wednesday Jigs" and the "Widdley Set" along with originals such as "Guardian Angel", "Song of the Bottle", "The Night the Pub Burned Down" and the title track, "County USA". This range of material is extraordinary, yet it all fits together beautifully.
The Clare Voyants were founded by lead singer Shay Veno. In addition to showing that he is an exceptional singer with the traditional songs, "Crooked Jack" and "The Ferryman",
this CD illuminates his skill as a song writer. "Song of the Bottle" is a kind of "cynic-romantic" piece worthy of Shane McGowan and includes some vocal harmony by Brid Dower. "The Night the Pub Burned Down" is a classic drinking song that includes music backup by "The Beer Conservation Choir" of Jeff Richards, Jen Canchola, Angie Fletchall, and Jules Vern along with band members Shay Veno and Paul Knight. In spite of their popularity, it is hard to write drinking songs much less a good like "The Night the Pub Burned Down". "County USA" is about the experience of the Irish in America during the 19th century and reflects their defiant tone as they struggled to succeed.
Shay has a well deserved reputation for being a great pub singer, but possibly his best track is the ballad "Lakes of Ponchartrain". His vocals is backed by guests John Good on flute and Steve Colby on banjo, to provide a hauntingly beautiful effect.
Paul Knight sings, "America Cried" written by Finbar Furey. It is about the people who were forced to leave Ireland during the 1840's. The Clare Voyants arrangement is especially powerful and features flute accompaniment by John Good.
Billy Brett has performed with innumerable musicians over the years including Bob Dylan. He brings a distinctive singing style to everything he does such as the traditional "She Moved Through The Fair". On this CD, Billy proved he is also a fine song writer with his piece "Guardian Angel" with additional accompaniment by John Good and Johnny Peggie.
Jane Hilton is a classically trained musician who brings a distinctive fiddle style to everything The Clare Voyants do. In addition to the two instrumental tracks built around her virtuosity, her accompaniment on every piece reflects her skill at arrangement. It would be no exaggeration to say that Jane defines much of what make The Clare Voyants sound so distinctive.
"County USA" includes a number of guest musicians from the Phoenix Irish music community: John Good on flute and whistle, Steve Colby on banjo, Brid Dower on backup vocals, Jimmy Peggie on bass guitar, Alberto Allende on standup bass, Keith Cadell on bass guitar, Michael Porter on tenor banjo, Susan Kosack on prima mandolin, Kevin King on bodhran, Kevin Mauch on bass guitar, Sarah Duce on fiddle, Amber Dudley on viola, Len Rheume on bodhran. and Kyle Harris on bass guitar. The CD was produced by Kyle Harris.
"County USA" is an outstanding achievement. It has been something on ordeal actually getting it finally completed (for their fans as much as the band), but it is certainly worth waiting for. It will be released by late September.
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