SOLD OUT!!!
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH
7:30 PM
Ordinarily we will not host a show on a weeknight UNLESS for a very special artist! And Niamh is a VERY SPECIAL ARTIST!! Niamh (pronounced "Neeve") has come to be known as one of Ireland's most distinctive singers. Her earthy, sensuous voice has drawn comparisons to such venerated singers as Dolores Keane, June Tabor and Sandy Denny. Niamh 's latest CD, HEART'S DESIRE (Green Linnet, 2002) was produced by Dennis Cahill, and furthers the tradition of Irish song. Her collection of songs includes both traditional sources and modern writers including Mark Knopfler and Andy Irvine. HEART'S DESIRE has received glowing reviews and was named "CELTIC ALBUM OF THE YEAR" by the Association for Independent Music. Through her career Niamh has performed with a wide variety of artists and appeared at nearly every prestigious folk festival on either side of the Atlantic. As a member of the traditional Irish band ARCADY (led by De Dannan's Johnny "Ringo" McDonagh) she is featured on the group's AFIM-awarded CD MANY HAPPY RETURNS. Her recording career began with THE LOOSE CONNECTIONS, a band of top-notch Belfast musicians. The band recorded two albums of contemporary and traditional material, featuring the memorable "Tinkerman's Daughter". In 1999 Niamh took a bold step and returned to her roots with her first solo album, BLACKBIRDS AND THRUSHES (Green Linnet), a collection of traditional Irish ballads gathered from over 15 years of her singing repertoire. Her second solo CD, IN MY PRIME (Green Linnet, 2000) was named one of the top albums of the year by Folk Roots and the Irish Voice says it is "a must-have disc for lovers of Irish song." It was here that she is joined by the very talented Graham Dunne who will accompany her here at Little lake Hill. This album was nominated for Album of the Year by BBC Radio (UK) and the Association for Independent Music (US).
The Scotsman says, "Subtle and expressive in delivery...one of those singers who sounds totally wrapped up in the meaning and message of everything she performs."
Pulse: "She breathes sweet life and sometimes bittersweet sorrow into each word as she lifts the lyrics off the page and sets them flying." Dirty Linen: Parsons is graced with one of the best voices in Irish music, rich and smoky, reminiscent of June Tabor in her lower register and Dolores Keane on the higher notes. And she's a master of inflection and ornamentation, fully capturing all of the emotional subtleties of her material."
Have a listen to some of her tunes from HEART'S DESIRE:
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The Brown Bull of Cill na Mona/The Tipperary Temptress (Jigs) |
If you listen to NPR's THISTLE AND SHAMROCK you are certain to have heard Niamh Parsons. It is such an honor to have her here at Little Lake Hill!
Reservations for this show ($15) are necessary and can be made at (919) 787-6378 or bett_padgett@mindspring.com. As you know, the artist receives the 'gate' making Little Lake Hill Houseconcerts a very special venue.