TROY & DAVE REVIEW (Burnley Mechanics & Solihull Library Theatre October 2003). Paul Smith - webmaster.
This is a set that thrives on the warmth of these 2 long-standing celtic virtuosos. Yes there are a few edges there that simply serve to remind you that they are human despite displaying so many superhuman understanding of their chosen instruments. Troy and Dave must enjoy risk as they run through instrument changes in most of the songs. I mean, Troy can switch between Uilleann Pipes, Low Whistle and guitar with the expression of an ice cream man who has before him a regiment of expectant kids - do I look worried? Never!
The show kicks off with 2 new pieces destined for the next IONA studio album. Called 'Wind off the Lake', and ‘Angel of God’ they continue the journey from where 'Woven Cord ('Open Sky' 2000) left us and remind us just how much of an influence the 2 guys are to IONA. Both tunes are deeply soulful and very Ionaish with soaring pipes driving celtic rhythms and masterful guitar.
The show is interspersed with traditional Irish folk ditties where Troy treats us to the naked sound of those pipes. In the mix are songs from Troys solo works, an example being ‘Tunnels’ from ‘The Unseen Stream' … and another instrument for him to play! This time it was a rather large and expensive looking drum called a Tofran - a cross between a Bodhran & a Tambourine, designed by former IONA drummer Terl Bryant. You sit there thinking .. 'nar, he wont be as proficient on this as his other toys'. A driving piece lavished with Irishness - just close your eyes for a bit and you're there! Another solo score is ‘Conscious’ where we witness a virtuoso performance by Dave on this one. As an Iona follower, you very rarely see Dave unleash his awesome piano playing in the full band setting, but here he weaved all over the keyboard visiting and re-visiting the melodic signature from the song.
I think one of the highlights for me was a song that represents one of the most evocative and beautiful ballads from IONA's third album 'Beyond These Shores'. 'Edge of the World' is usually sung by Joanne Hogg, but here Troy gave it a very warm and emotive treatment as he sung and strummed his Fylde acoustic. The reaction from my wide eyed 8 year old daughter as he sang the first line was like .. 'I know this one!' What capped the song though was one of the most laid back and bluesey guitar solos I have heard from Dave which he played with such sensitivity, beauty and peaks of expression … well the hairs just stood up!
Of course no concert from these two gentlement would be complete without some familiar renditions from past IONA albums. Listening to superb performances of pieces such as ‘Woven Cord’, ‘Heaven’s Bright Sun’ the ‘Snowdonia Suite’ and ‘Reels’ makes you simply wonder how they can capture the majestic soundscapes of these tunes without the full band in tow. The fact that they pull it off so convincingly just serves to emphasize the sheer professionalism and gifting that Troy and Dave possess. Dave's acoustic guitar interpretation of Bi-se I Mo Shuil (Journey into the Morn 1995) is a joy in itself, delivered with great feeling and fullness of sound from his Manson acoustic.
Now I could go on (and on) but that would take up maybe another page, and simply make me want to be there again! Those of you who get the opportunity to see these shows will not be disappointed - and like me your appetite will surely be whetted. Bring on the next IONA album and global tour please!
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