Christy Moore and Declan Sinnott – Viva La Quinta Brigada @ Glasgow Barrowland.
Showing @ Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Thu 8 Oct only (on tour)
A Christy Moore gig is always a (somewhat) bittersweet experience. His performances are almost always connected to an ongoing tour, which means his arrival is usually for one-night-only, and when the gig ends, there’s a feeling that he should have played for another two hours. Both of these facts remain true in his new set, a part trip down memory lane, part latest album (Folk Tale) promotion.
Accompanied, as always, by finger-picking soloist and long time collaborator Declan Sinnott, Moore opens with some thunderous classics: ‘Smoke and Strong Whisky’, ‘Viva La Quince Brigada‘ (‘Quinta Brigada’ depending on your Christy fidelity) et al. Now customary, this is traditional folk music in its richest and most passionate form; profound, genuine and sampled from artists across the British Isles.
Perhaps what makes Moore so engaging, not least his beguiling charm and charisma, is his ability to create intimacy in the largest spaces. Theatres, town halls and festival venues are at his command, and unlike many acoustic performers, he seems to connect to each member of the audience individually. It’s easy to get lost in the depth of his tone, the wisdom of the lyrics, the melancholic humour of his history. He is able to tell tales of working-class heroes, American exceptionalism, Celtic tradition and countless drunken encounters. Simply, he’s most at home on-stage when he just tells stories.
His audience is loyal and knowledgeable about his playing; this is what generates the magic at a Christy Moore gig. From the lullaby-like murmur of a crowd singing ‘Ride On’ to the whoops and cheers throughout ‘Quinta Brigada’, it is a joyous experience, a whirlwind of the pains, journeys and victories documented by folk music. In fact, it’s annoying when one woman cries out, ‘just shut up and listen’ during jukebox time. That’s the bloody point; to get involved, rejoice in the music and let Moore know how much we want him to play. Though this gig fails to elicit the energy of the memorable and breathtaking set performed at The Point in 2006/Glasgow Barrowland, and while the Festival Theatre doesn’t house completely tailored acoustics, it is still one of the most rewarding and fulfilling musical experiences. At a gig where you can laugh, cry, reflect and learn, Christy Moore is a master performer and songwriter. Pure folk’in wizardry.