Govannen

GOVENNAN

Donkey Venue 15th September 2024

What a terrific afternoon at the The Donkey Venue... a stunning set by Govannen

The band were in supreme form, sharing the vocals around and Chris and Dan both playing various instruments throughout.

They hit the stage and after some dextrous work with a guitar case to move some distracting lights set off into their set.. opening with Dan singing "Galway Girl" (I think thats the title!!) before launching into their first tune set... after this Chris sang "The Water is Wide"

Another tune set followed before Roger's first vocal... and so the set progressed... songs and tune sets alternating and the three main singers taking it in turns.

Musically the band were on fire.. Chris playing mainly keyboard but also adding whistle, pipes and kalimba and Dan varying between bodhran, guitar and mandolin... while Roger and Adele play fiddle and Neil handling the percussion... five highly talented musicians blending together into a tight unified whole.

The first half closed on one of Dan's finest pieces, "The Storm"

After a break the band came back with a tune from Adele and a friend back temporarily from Turkey and and followed it with a rousing scots medley of "Scotland the Brave" and "Mairies Wedding"

As the set progressed there was a change of direction as Chris performed his familiar celtic/jazz "Hot Potato" and Adele played a beautiful slow air, and after more stomping tunes Roger delivered a great version of "Hey Joe"

At one point Chris picked up his Bombarde and explained that it is not an easy instrument and on one occasion he actually passed out going for a high note!!.. he looked close to it today but got through the piece unharmed!

Of course good things have to come to an end and this performance ended with an especially rousing tune set which left everyone calling for more...

The encore was led by Roger singing an irresistable version of "Belly Boys"

This was an absolutely wonderful performance by a absolutely great band.. .superb!!

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