Eleanor McEvoy and Ade Webb Adelphi 6th July By Michelle Dee

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Photograph Gallery   Ade Webb Gallery   Eleanor McEvoy Gallery 1   Eleanor McEvoy Gallery 2

After announcing that drugs don't improve song writing she contradicted herself by playing a song called My Own Sweet Bed Tonight. It was written at 4am after consuming half a bottle of Irish whiskey, which explains why it only has three chords. This song is an ode to single-minded forthright women everywhere and can be found on the Columbia Records 1996 release of the, What's Following Me album.

She talked fondly of her love for traditional Irish folk and of playing the bars of Dublin in a come-all-ye setting. With that she took out her fiddle and proceeded to play a slow haunting instrumental with touches of vibrato called Driving Home From Butters. Butters being a folk bar in Dublin where she used to play of a Friday night. Then to perhaps give us a taste of those nights she played a lively reel with energetic bowing accompanied by enthusiastic clapping from the audience.

This response prompted her to urge the audience to accompany her, as she continues her UK tour. She gave thanks to our host Paul Jackson and dedicated a song to Joan Jackson his mother, which was a lovely way to show her appreciation for their support. As well as acknowledging the technical staff and backstage people, she thanked the Yorkshire based company Adastra who had organised the event, in particular Gary Miller for all his hard work and continued support.

Yet another example of her professionalism and respect for the business we call show. After this gracious display she came back on stage and did an encore, finishing with a cover version of Kerry by Joni Mitchell.

Eleanor's songs are very accessible and her performance is professional, polished and spontaneous. This freedom, she told me, comes only when you tour solo. You can change and adapt your show according to audience reaction. Add another chorus or two without having to inform the rest of the band; you are your own boss and can do whatever you please.

I asked her about her audiences, she told me that her music appeals to both young and old and that she is developing quite a following within the gay community. She is popular in the US where she has built up a minor cult status among gay women. She also explained how she preferred to play smaller gigs rather than large shows so she was very comfortable tonight with the setting of the Adelphi. The closeness of the audience to the stage creates an intimate atmosphere that is unparalleled anywhere else in the city.

Eleanor is very aware of her own song writing process and includes such luminaries like Dylan, Cohen and Jesse Winchester as her influences. On further enquiry I found out that when writing her own pieces, she writes the words and music simultaneously. She believes in writing music in a way that challenges the creative parts of the brain. Her musical tastes are eclectic and range from classical to modern including Rap and Hip-Hop styles as well as the odd pop tune.

She is looking forward to listening to The Streets having just purchased their new album. Many thanks to Eleanor and the Adelphi for yet another first class evening of entertainment. I think that I can speak for all of the sixty or so people who watched with admiration, she truly lived up to her reputation as the Leading lady of Irish Folk Music. For more details go to www.eleanormcevoy.net

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Photograph Gallery   Ade Webb Gallery   Eleanor McEvoy Gallery 1   Eleanor McEvoy Gallery 2

Photographs courtsey and Copyright © Mo thisisUll.com

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