Altenburg. A perfect evening can be so easy: take two passionate musicians, who don’t need anything but their instruments, microphone and PA, and let them do their thing. This simple easiness was the recipe for Tuesday night, when Irish Folk moved into the barrel vault of Altenburg Castle. Tim O’Shea, who’s been successful in various bands since the late 80’s had joined up with a great newcomer talent, Karol Lynch. He had filled in short notice for Gavin Whelan, who had stay at home due to illness. But then this concert born out of such an emergency, surely none of the 90 guests in the sold out hall would have noticed. Tim O’Shea and Karol Lynch were in perfect harmony. Although these two Irishmen played from quite different backgrounds.
There was the experienced, seemingly settled musician O’Shea, who started gently leading the audience towards the Green Island (Ireland). Simple whistle sounds, a few minutes that’s all he needed to do. This man is real, authentic. So authentic, that he sees no problem tuning up a string on his guitar while singing a song. His way of talking to the audience doesn’t come across as put on as with so many others. And Tim O’Shea’s music is just as real in the folk tradition of his home, Ireland, but especially contemporary and deep.
The songs tell about normal things in life, of love and pain things will be and those gone by longing for freedom. Poetical lyrics, and many images. And when O’Shea sings with his unique voice, heebee- jeebees and goose pimples are called for.
His partner Karol Lynch is the perfect contrast, the young wild one! Who spices up O’Shea’s pieces but also takes one’s breath away with his solo tunes. Lynch is a gifted banjo player, who demands everything from his instrument and impresses with crazy speed. He also accomplishes the walk between tradition and originality without any problems. O’Shea and Lynch urgently or solo are urgently recommended.
Claudia Walther reporting.
