Some quick observations from last nights show in Lakeland, FL
It was a good show, but not a great show. It was at a typical theatre, somewhere around 2,000 seats. It was probably 70% full. The crowd was not really into the show, which I'm sure has an affect on the performers. Based on some overheard comments, a lot of people still don't get that the group changes over the years.
Somewhere I have some notes on the set list, but can't find them right now. There were maybe 3 or 4 new songs.
The stage was the same set up as last years. The backdrop was a curtain. At times, they were projecting pictures on it. There is only a 3 guy choir this year. New piano player. Ray is now playing Roland drums instead of Pearl. No bass player. Does anyone remember if there was one last year?
I had some issues with the sound. I was in the second row, so that may have had something to do with it. At times, it was hard to understand the words -- the music was too loud. Same thing with lighting. I was hard, at times, to see the girls. They needed some more spotlights.
My opinion is the show didn't flow well. For example, YRMU was used as the opening song of the second act. I always thought it belonged near the end. Near the end, they did Time to Say Goodbye. That brought a standing O, because people thought it was the end of the show. There were still a couple songs after it. I like the new version of Mo Ghile Mear (it was the 2nd song of the first act), but I still miss the dueling drums.
After talking with someone else, they said it sounded like the show was tired. That's a good term. This is mostly a recycled show. Only a couple new songs. Same staging, minimal lighting effects, etc. Nothing to really hook the audience it. (remember TAR starting in the audience). OK, Anthony did start Amazing Grace in the back of the theatre and walk to the front, but not up on stage.
Over the years, I have probably averaged going to 7 shows a year; a couple of those were M&Gs. I've got lots of autographs, photos and memories. I had a plan for maybe 2 more shows this year -- I'm still trying to make up my mind if I want to make the investment.
*Disclaimer: Slight ranting ahead*
I think the main problem people are having with this current lineup (myself included) is fatigue. I'm tired of hearing the same old songs redone for the millionth freaking time!
VOA was a toss-up for me. I liked some of the songs on that CD, especially the newer ones. But there are also remakes I don't care for one bit. I understand that with David gone, Celtic Woman has to rearrange several of the big classic CW staples. And some of the remakes I like. Mo Ghile Mear was beautiful. I actually really enjoyed the Target exclusive version of Nil as well! (I know not everyone has that version of VOA but I really like it cuz it's much closer to the traditional story of the song) And the new songs, Time To Say Goodbye and My Heart Will Go On, will easily stand the test of time in the catalog.
But where they really screwed up was the solos. Eabha, Susan, and now (on tour anyways) Mairead's solos are ALL rehashes! At least Destiny gave them all new material! Did Destiny have its flaws? Yes, of course. Namely, Mairead C had no shining moment. Her solos were weak choices. But at least with Destiny it was all new material! A couple old songs were there on tour, but it was mostly new. That rejuvenated the group!
Am I okay with the current girls singing rehashes of old songs? Sure. But since they get 2 solos, why not do one old and one new? On VOA, I loved Mairead's 2 solos! One was an old one, Ave. But it was the really older, not been done since 2008's TGJ Chloe-rehash, Gounard's version. That made sense! Make it a song that's completely out of the blue! One we haven't heard for a while! And pair it with a new song like A Time For Us (which, BTW, was STUNNING).
Eabha's Sean Nos melody is INCREDIBLE! That's something we've never heard before. Not since the early day's of Orla singing Harry's Game have we had that particular haunting style of singing which is so inherently Irish. But IOH, IOT? Really? No thanks! Listen, Eabha's wonderful. But you cannot compare to the 2009 group's signature song. They named a tour after that song, for Pete's sake! Let her go back to either of her stunning Destiny solos! I loved, loved, LOVED Walk Beside Me! I preferred it as her solo, but if they want it to be a group song now, so be it. She also sang How Can I Keep From Singing beautifully.
Tara's 2 solos from VOA were actually great! I loved them both so she gets spared any ranting.
Poor, poor Susan. You know... With Destiny, Susan finally got to step out of the shadows and have 2 solos all her own. VOA? Let's rehash an old Meav solo and Lisa K's signature piece for you! I don't mind She Moved, but only the live version because you get to see Susan show off her impressive dancing talents. But I would prefer both to be removed. If you really want to show off Susan's impressive vocal ability and her theatrical background, give her a freaking theatre song! Memory would be my first choice since she was in Cats! Or maybe On My Own! Just SOMETHING else!!! And pair it with Whole Of The Moon. I actually liked that song. It was upbeat with a very catchy tune behind it.
And Destiny gave us fantastic group songs! Why are we all of a sudden forgetting it? My Land would be perfect for a Homecoming show! Bean Phadin was fun! Terloc's Dream/When You Go wasn't bad. Is it a show opener? No. But maybe a second act opener! Where is Oro at? And please, for the love of God, can we do away with this new version of TAR? I like seeing the girls playing their instruments and having, fun but surely everyone can agree that this song isn't end a shadow if the fun of the original? Because it's not.
Okay! I'm done! Rant over!