'The Lark’s March' – a future milestone of the folk tradition
(August 12, 2008)
Doubtless ‘The Lark’s March’ the debut solo album from
Patricia Clark will
become one of the milestones of the folk tradition. Already a
musician of presence and ability with one of the most natural,
distinctive styles, Patricia has laid down a flawless album that
could come from today or from generations ago. On ‘The Lark’s March’
she seamlessly blends tunes as old as the hills with her own
arrangements to deliver in turn both sensitive, humorous and
dramatic touches.
Young musicians occasionally endure reviews that praise their art
but echo a tinge of surprise that being young they can produce
genius. Patricia may well be young but she touches her art with
consummate skill. That has little to do with years, it’s pure talent
- and of course superb technique, sensitive skill and an inherent
understanding of her subject.
From
front to back the album is a pure delight. There are 14 tracks to
captivate you, and everyone will find a favourite. My choices
include Patricia’s deft touch on that beautiful
Turlough Carolan
air, ‘Mr O’Connor’s’ - while her version of ‘Seoithin Seo’ is the
best I’ve heard in years. With ‘The Groves/The Morning Thrush’ she
lifts piping techniques and applies them to the fiddle – and it’s
another gem. Patricia’s composition ‘Wipe Your Feet on Your Way Out/
The Bright Lights of Buttevegas’ is joyful music that lifts your
soul in a celebration of musical laughter. 'Rosemary Lane', with
Josie on vocals, is a beautiful song superbly delivered. The album
closes with another finely crafted collection of tunes 'Kitty's
Rambles/Headwood Crossing/The Lark's March'.
The
enjoyment of this album increases because Patricia works on many
tacks with some outstanding musicians who deserve a mention - Rodney
Lancashire (bouzouki) Liam Joyce (guitar) Josie Harrington (vocals,
guitar) Mark Donnellan (fiddle) and Meabh Felton (dancer).
Musicians listen and learn to hone their talent and technique, some
also soak up the essence of their art, and the difference is
magical. Patricia clearly absorbs the tradition in the air she
breathes – this album is that good. Enough said.
Tim Carroll, FolkWords
'The
Lark's March - Patricia Clark'
(July 2008)
The Lark's March CD is the first
album from highly talented young fiddle player, Patricia Clark, who
hails from Derbyshire, England. Patricia is a multi-instrumentalist
who is presently based in Ennis and her talents have already
attracted many tributes from established performers on the Irish
traditional scene...
Anyone listening to this CD will
quickly realise why Patricia has earned these plaudits and her
playing, while being technically excellent, never loses the soul
within the music which is such an essential element of the great
Irish tradition.
An impressive list of musicians
guest on the CD and these include Josie Harrington (guitar/vocals),
Liam Joyce (guitar), Rodney Lancashire (bouzouki), Mark Donnellan
(fiddle) and European-Champion dancer Meabh Felton. However, the
recording is first and foremost a great fiddle album and the guest
contributions tastefully augment but never dominate the music.
The CD contains a wide range of
music varying from slides, reels and hornpipes to jigs, barn dances
and slow airs; it also includes some interesting newly composed
tunes by Patricia herself. The tune sources have also been well
researched and the CD sleeve notes are quite comprehensive.
In addition to recording this CD,
Patricia is studying for a BA in Irish Music and Dance at the Irish
World Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick and has also done some
invaluable work in the Cois na hAbhna Regional Archive in Ennis.
Obviously Patricia Clark is not only a talented young musician but
also a person of energy and commitment well on her way to becoming
an established name in the Irish traditional music world.
Brian Priod, Treoir Magazine
