Opening against a simple backdrop and low lighting, Obosca, a group of poets and musicians with Irish connections, set the tone of the evening with a delicate blend of poetry and music. The first tune ‘Aisling Gheal’ (Irish trad.) was played with brio on melodeon and contrasted wonderfully with three short readings on the theme of silence.
The poetry, written and performed by Maggie Sawkins and Bernard MacDonagh, varied from modern to traditional Irish tales. One told of the tragic deaths of young babies (Foidin Mariul) and the folk lore surrounding the fairies that guard the fields where these children lie. Maggie Sawkins contributed a well projected performance of her poem, 'The Retreat': ‘Tonight words are clamouring to come in/but I’m on guard I won’t open the door/I’m going to float like a goose feather in a room of black silence …’
The second half of the programme contained the notable contribution to the musical element by Janelle Hanna’s haunting rendition of ‘My Love is like a Red Red Rose’ aptly played on solo violin. Another moving piece was 'Shoes' by Ron Trueman Border performed by singer/guitarist, Martin Heys. This song of social relevance is based on the drownings of the immigrant Chinese cockle pickers at Morecambe Bay in February 2004.
The sound and musicianship were excellent throughout the evening. The only draw back was the distance of the audience from the performers. Nonetheless, from my vantage point, I could certainly see audience members enthusiastically clapping to the instrumental performance of ‘Callipe House’, one last energetic instrumental that rounded off the night.
The audience was treated to a full polarity of light and dark, love, sex and death, lending for an emotionally engaging evening throughout. Obosca, Gaelic for box, are a rare group of poets and musicians who enjoy performing music and song with an Irish flair. Not only do Obosca perform together but they also perform solo or in pairs, and have strong links to the music and poetry venue, Tongues and Grooves.
Obosca are available for small functions. The best way to contact the group is to e mail either Maggie Sawkins at maggieswakins@moose-mail.com or Bernard MacDonagh at Barneymacdonagh@mac.com.
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