I saw the Cherish the Ladies Celtic Band with the Columbus Symphony last night. In an environment where even the classical performers are glamorous (Eroica Trio)this group stands out for its lack of glamor. In fact, if you were to meet one of them in another context you would think "bookeeper at the Ford Dealership". Not even dental office receptionist. Their leader, Joanie Madden, is an accomplished flute player and is the only one of the group who has any stage presence at all. The rest sit gloomily as if they were bookeepers living at home with their mothers.
Add to this the fact that something else was going on with them. The program listed six women and their web site lists six, but there were seven of them. The lead singer on stage wasn't listed in the program or web site but the program lead was there and was off stage for all but her 2 songs. There was a chair on the stage for her but she refused to sit on it and she looked as if she was about to cry. One had the feeling that we were watching a Celtic Dream Girls play out.
If you enjoy the Chieftins and Celtic music, Cherish the Ladies presents a competent program. They're at their best when the tempo is up and the dancers are on stage, but the slower music also compels when Joanie Madden's flute is employed. When they get over their angst and start dressing for success they'll be a lot more fun.
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2 comments:
I disagree wholeheartedly. I have seen Cherish the Ladies perform several times before and this was one of the best performances yet. I thought all the members of the group played wonderful uplifting music and the two singers had beautiful haunting voices. The music with the orchestra was well arranged and added to the feel of the night.
Joanie Madden is a fabulous performer and host for that matter and she made everyone in the audience feel as though she was talking directly to them with her informal and humorous delivery.
The other members of the group gave it their all in the fast toe tapping jigs and reels and played very sensitively in the the slower pieces. As for glamor, i don't think this group need glamor as their music says it all as was evident in the standing ovation at the end of the performance.
It was a wonderful night for a group of friends and I and was topped off when we got to meet all the Ladies afterwards, which was an unexpected bonus.
Mags
Cherish the Ladies newest fan!
With reviews of this nature, I am not surprised that music in our society is dumbed down as much as it is. The whole focus of this reviewer's comments was on how the players were dressed and glum looks etc. I would like to ask the reviewer if he even listened to the music being played, the musicianship of the individuals or the quality of the arrangements? Ahh but alas I would guess not. More then likely he sat there with a note pad writing little comments about someones lack of jewelery, or misinterpreted look of concentration. Glamor HAH we are talking here about traditional music handed down for century's by ear and allowed to continue on through brave girls like these who care more for substance then glam...
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