Live Review Barachois (Celtic Connections)
Peter Fairbairn, The living Tradition, 20-Jan-98 Barachois are from Prince Edward Island and play, sing and dance in the tradition of their homeland. A tradition distilled from a heady mix of many influences mainly Acadian but with hints of Irish and Scots via Cape Breton. Strong rhythms dominate throughout all the songs and tunes, reinforced by the hard shoes (metaled at heel and toe) and the ever moving feet. That evening the Strathclyde Suite was as busy as I have seen it. Full house or pretty near and the audience hung on to every word, note or footfall, as Barachois played and danced. And oh! How they danced. Sitting down, standing up, individually or as a foursome, their red socks flashed and blurred. Through songs and music we learned some of the history and customs of Prince Edward Islanders including the art of wood sawing and the subject of axe handle manufacture and balance, for use as courting ploys. Much of the immediacy of the band's performance is best experienced without too much advance notice. Take my word for it though, don't miss any opportunity to see Barachois in concert. |