Review - Niamh Parsons & Graham Dunne
29/11/24

How fortunate we were to have Niamh Parsons and Graham Dunne as our guests at the Everyman Folk Club yesterday. We were transfixed by a fine selection of material, mostly from Niamh’s Irish traditional repertoire, and each with a poignant and engaging introduction. Niamh’s soul-stirring singing was seductive, elevated and intensified by Graham’s beautifully crafted guitar accompaniments. We had an unexpected treat, too, when Graham accompanied himself singing a lullaby in Irish. One highlight of the night was Niamh’s favourite song, The Flower Of Magherally O, and it’s safe to say, “with admiration I [we] did gaze upon that … Lassie O”.

The evening included excellent floor spots from Graham Schofield; Dave Tricker; Bill Johnston & Sheila Darling; John Robinson; trio Barbara Wibbelmann, Catherine Ott & Gerd Wagner (making their first appearance at the Everyman); and our entertaining MC for the night, Charlie Haylock. Brava tutti!

Thanks to everyone in our splendid audience for all your support this year, for making guests and visitors to the club most welcome, and for your remarkable singing and participation. We wish you all a very happy Christmas, and look forward to seeing you in the new year when mother and daughter – Cathy Barclay & Sarah Yarwood – join us on Friday 31 January 2025.