World Music is never disappointing with the groups that they bring in. Solas is a five member band with it’s roots strongly in traditional Irish music. They expand themselves though to other areas. For instance you might hear a Bob Dylan or Woody Guthrey song done in a Celtic style. I would place them between a group like Clannad that takes a more modern approach and Battlefield Band or The House Band. Solas has the type of genuine artistry and musicianship that I seek out in a live performance.
Like the experience I had with Altan I felt almost like the venue was out of place with the music. Both groups seemed like they should be in some pub or a living room. You really feel close to the artists and what that are giving to you. This might just be the nature of the music, not sure, but the audience was captivated.
Before the concert, in the lobby I ran into a gentleman selling books. Deep Community highlights the modern underground folk movement. Scott Ararkin was the man selling and has many year experience writing about the folk scene in the Boston are as well as world wide. The book has an antidotal style focusing in on specific artists, groups, and groups of artists. It looked to be the reference for modern folk that I have been looking for. Most of my best discovering have been by word of mouth, so why not get it from a book.
