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Cherish The Ladies

Venue: Hawkswell Theatre
Town: Sligo
Date: 28/9/14
Website: http://www.cherishtheladies.com

They are, of course, something of an institution at this point, as they prepare to celebrate their 30th anniversary as a band this coming January, but Cherish The Ladies, through all their lineups, have always sought to bring something different to the table. Tonight was no exception as for close on two hours, they joked, danced, sang and played their way through a small chunk of a huge repertoire.

Opening proceedings with a waltz called A Day At The Curragh, written by Sean Quinn, they quickly upped the tempo, introducing stepdancer Declan McHale to the fray, and from then on it was a cascade of delights. Cathie Ryan, who has treaded the boards with them for several of those 30 years, was brought out to sing-to rapturous applause-and chose to perform a beautiful Karine Polwart piece, Follow The Heron Home. A lush backdrop of fiddle, from Nollaig Casey, guitar from founding member Mary Coogan, and, gradually all the others brought this gorgeous song to a conclusion. Her contribution during the evening was nothing short of breathtaking, mixing traditional and contemporary work to great effect.

As respectful as they are to the tradition, they are innovators also, their own tunes sitting alongside the older stuff with ease. Piano player Kathleen Boyle, a Glaswegian of Donegal stock, has composed a slow piece called The Homecoming, so melodically rich it begs an orchestral treatment, while Joanie Madden's The Wave and The Spade will find its way into the native muse before too long. Nollaig Casey's Lios Na Banriona has more than a hint of classical construct about its person. Mirella Murray, whose birthday fell on the day, is a fine box player whose contribution was a perfect balance of strength and subtlety.

All too soon, the jig was up, but the clamour for an encore was deafening. A song from Cathie, and a clutch of tunes from the band, with dancers Declan, and his Canadian counterpart, the rubberlimbed Nathan Pilatske, which also featured the special guest of the evening, John Joe Kelly, brought proceedings to a close. We tumbled out on to the pavement, in the full knowledge that we had indeed seen a very special gig. Come back soon, ladies.

Oliver P. Sweeney