Customer Reviews

Evening Comes Early

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Those accustomed to the rhythm-driven accompaniment style of one of the world's preeminent Irish guitarists will find surprises a-plenty in John Doyle's first solo offering. To be sure, Doyle provides his familiar but always stirring back-up duties on several tracks, including a dynamic turn with his fiddler-equal Liz Carroll, but what is most striking is Doyle's vocal ability, one too long set aside during his years with Solas. Doyle's voice is simple and controlled, but he possesses an innate ability to create drama and pathos without oversinging or seeming contrived. There are some memorable songs presented here, including "Crooked Jack," a denouncement of Irish workers in England during the 19th century (set to the same tune as "Star of the County Down"); "My Parents Reared Me Tenderly," about a Northern Irish lad who enlists in the Queen's army; and one each featuring Karan Casey and Doyle's own father Sean. Aside from the addition of Balladeer on John Doyle's resume, he also gives an impressive recorded debut as composer of several traditional tunes, on which he overdubs the melodies as well as accompaniment. The deftness and fluidity with which Doyle spins these melodies will perhaps be most surprising to listeners. We've all been enthralled with Doyle's accompaniment style for years, a trade he currently plies with the Eileen Ivers band. But with "Evening Comes Early," John Doyle has firmly established himself as a major triple threat in the world of Irish music.

After co-founding and working with the Irish folk group Solas, brilliant guitarist John Doyle ventures into a career as soloist with this debut album. Compared to his subsequent smoothly polished solo album, Wayward Son, this recording is direct and raw, energetic and strong. Doyle is assisted on some tracks by Liz Carroll's fiddle, Liz Knowles' fiddle, Michael Aharon's piano and bass and cello, John Anthony's percussion, Richie Stearns' banjo, Kieran O'Hare pipes, John Williams' concertina and whistle, and Karen Casey's voice. The tunes are traditional but arranged by Doyle. Against the sharply powerful picking and strumming of guitar is his dignified and gentle voice. Lyrics and notes are provided in the enclosed booklet. Four tracks are instrumentals, including reels and jigs to get your heart pounding and feet amoving. This is a solid traditional Irish folk music album without frills. But there are thrills, as the musicianship is gripping.