Sharon Shannon

The Ropetackle has emerged as one of the best places in the area to see top folk musicians and this was confirmed again with an outstanding performance by Irish accordion player Sharon Shannon. The cinema-style seating for this sell-out show made it a bit less atmospheric than the usual cabaret layout, but this was more than compensated for by the amazing talent on stage. The ever-bubbly Shannon showed herself to be mistress not only of the accordion but also whistles and fiddle too, but she was almost upstaged by her accompanist, Alan Connor, on keyboard and guitar. At times the looping he used was a bit overpowering, but mostly he provided deft rhythmic and melodic accompaniment to her powerful jigs and reels. A winning combination.

Ropetackle Arts Centre, Shoreham, 19 November 2013
Rating:
Jenni Davidson