(Click Image for Larger View)Greetings~
It was almost three years in the making, but The Sandcarvers long awaited follow up album to their critically acclaimed “Dealin’ Craic” is finally here. “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” is here and was celebrated at one of the biggest hooley’s this town has seen and the whole evening should prove that, for those anticipating new Sandcarvers material, the wait was well worth it.
The evening kicked off with a rousing set by Rising Gael, indeed no slouches themselves. Far from it, actually, as this high energy band of young and very talented musicians from Madison played an hour of some of the toe tappingest, kicked up Trad that you’ll likely hear. The versatile guitar playing of Peter Tissot; percussion and bodhran, played by Jeff Olson; the commanding fiddle bowing of Katie Dionne; the vibrant vocals and lush flute of Erin Ellison: all this and Irish step dancing on top of it all make for an energetic band that you will not want to miss.
The evening continued with a rousing two hour musical tour de force by The Sandcarvers, who literally owned Shank Hall like no one else I’ve seen in my years of attending shows there. From the moment they were brought out by John Bowles of PaddyRock Radio, the Sandcarvers just killed! They began their set by playing all of the new album in its entirety and. let me tell you, they proved during this hour that they not only consider themselves of force to be reckoned with, they are a force from this moment on. Every song on this album is strong, and to hear the whole thing live from start to finish was a rare treat.
(If you can’t view slide show, click here.)
Following the debut of “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot,” they wasted no time at all jumping right into an hour plus set of their favorites from the past. Sandcarvers members of yesteryear were on hand to cheer the lads and lassie on, and Rising Gael joined them on stage for a rip-roaring rendition of “Tullamore Dew.” The evening was a huge success for the band and I can tell you that the year 2009 and the release of “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” should prove that this band deserves to be ranked within the hierarchy of Celtic rock.
What a night! This is an album that must be heard; this is a band that can’t be missed, sure.
(The Sandcarvers are brought to you by Jameson Irish Whiskey.)
Slainte
Gareth — The Celtic Camera Photography
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