reviews
"one of the tradition's great players..." Siobhan Peoples
From 'Folk Radio UK'
I often feel that some of the bigger names of folk get too much focus from the music press at the detriment of the more traditional musicians. I try to re-balance that on the Celtic/British Folk Stream and I'm often on the look out for new musicians that possess a drop of the pure stuff. Patricia Clark certainly does, as her album 'The Lark's March' demonstrates. This is great solo debut album from a very talented young lady who has her roots firmly planted in the tradition, she plays it and she feels it. Brilliant!
'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 compositions 'Wipe Your Feet on Your Way Out/The Bright Lights of Buttevegas' are joyful music that lift 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
From 'The Living Tradition'
(September 23, 2008)
Martin Hayes has a lot to answer for. Inspiring young Derbyshire women to play in the languid old East Clare fiddle style should be high on the list. Tricia Clark is one such, tempted across the sea to Limerick and other exotic locations, in search of the pure drop. And she found it alright: her solo debut is almost pure Irish fiddle, with just enough accompaniment to round out the sound. The Lark's March contains a full range of traditional musical forms, from reels to airs. There's even a song or two from Cork singer Josie Harrington: Banks of Sullane and Rosemary Lane, well known and nicely delivered here. I should mention that Tricia also plays back-up piano on this CD.
The dance music jogs happily along at a gentle pace, with a lovely light touch on the bow. The Templehouse, Matt Peoples', Kitty's Rambles, The Humours of Scariff and The Old Torn Petticoat are well travelled tunes, and there are some more unusual names here too. I found Scully Casey's and The Men of Mallow a bit flat - I like my hornpipes dotted - but the fiddle tone is sweet enough to carry them. All the material here is traditional with the exception of three recent compositions. Patrick Davey wrote Headwood Crossing a catchy jig which precedes the final title tune. Miss Clark contributes two of her own tunes, Wipe Your Feet on the Way Out and The Bright Lights of Buttevegas, barndances in the old style and both full of humour. Even with such sparse arrangements, this recording held my attention throughout. Tricia has recorded before, with The Outside Track, but this album raises her profile dramatically. Check out her website at www.triciaclark.co.uk for more info.
Alex Monaghan
'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 Prior, Treoir Magazine
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