Courage & Patience & Grit: Great Big Sea In Concert
Since they emerged in the early 90s, Newfoundland's own Great Big Sea have gradually consolidated a reputation as one of the greatest neo-Celt bands, from anywhere in the Six Nations or, as in this case, beyond. Drawing upon their homeland's strong Irish and Scottish ancestry and centuries-old seafaring heritage, they have fashioned a roistering, danceable sound and a live presence not unlike a bar-band but operating on a massive scale. But for all their good-time, party-hearty extroversion, they also demonstrate a rare affinity for love songs and more introspective types of material. Recorded in spectacular sound before adoring audiences, this "kitchen party," as one band member described it, is at once intimate and grand, folkloric and modern, acoustic and electric. Traditional instruments like fiddle, tin whistle, accordion are fused seamlessly with electric guitars and trap drums, plus tight and charismatic lead and harmony vocals, creating a spiraling energy that takes the crowd by storm and hurtles from living room speakers like a conquering wave. The CD is accompanied by a must-have DVD, which not only includes 26 tracks of concert footage but four essential music videos, one of which, "Lukey," features a collaboration with the Chieftains. --Christina Roden