Special 'home' celebration for Mayo singer songwriter Brian Duffy

WESTPORT singer songwriter Brian Duffy attracted a full house of support for his special concert in association with Mayo Concert Orchestra at Westport Town Hall Theatre.

Brian sang through a repertoire of original contemporary folk songs, many of which were written during the Covid lockdown period, and which reflect themes of contemplation and gratitude, for a life lived one moment at a time.

Among the songs was the very beautiful 'Baby don't you cry' - dedicated to Brian's 10-year-old daughter Uisce, who presented a lovely bouquet of flowers to the orchestra's musical director, Kathy Fahey, and the evocative 'Stop Leaving', in fond memory of Jennie.

A warm crowd of fans, supporters, family and friends, some of whom travelled far and from the UK and the USA to be in Westport for the occasion, took to their feet to call for an encore as Brian announced his final song.

Overall, the evening proved a triumph for the Westport artist, who spent months rehearsing his songs with the orchestra and who has been gigging as a musician on both the local, national and international scene for over 30 years.

GOOD NATURED BANTER

The following review of the concert was penned by Martin King.

Westport native Brian Duffy rides the good-natured banter as he ambles up Bridge Street, main thoroughfare in this beautiful Mayo town.... here he comes, the Musical Mayor...when are you getting a proper job?... walking on Clew Bay yet?

It's a place he loves and in which he is loved. And when we are loved we flourish.

It's June 23, 2023, and it's sold out; the biggest live event of his career and there have been many.

Influenced by time spent primarily in Spain and also France and USA, Brian's work combines the robust with a gentle reflective charm.

If traditional Irish music is at its core, more influences abound such as The Cranberries, Lloyd Cole and The Commotions and Van Morrison, to name but a few.

He's looking rather snazzy in a shirt, waistcoat and jacket combo donated by local outfitters Teddy's Fashions, a fact he is keen to acknowledge.

Goodwill is one thing, but you have to have the talent to back it up and Brian has that in abundance: powerful singer, player of several guitars and thoughtful raconteur.

This is a whole new venture working with a 30 piece orchestra; arranging all his own songs to suit, yet keeping their context and spirit.

By definition some of the flexibility and spontaneity will be replaced by a measured gravitas.

Great credit is given to Kathy Fahy, the conductor, for her skill with and interpretation of the material and through which the humanity of Brian Duffy resonates. Brian introduces each song with a bit of background information. He is giving of himself.

It's sultry, it's getting hot in there, so the jacket comes off and it's down to business.

A childhood spat between a niece and nephew is captured in the exquisite 'Bring It On' and the song 'Stop Leaving' is dedicated to Jennie who departed this world far too early. 'Could I Lie To You' traces the journey into dementia of his mother, now two years dead but still looking out for him.

His work embraces the human condition. 'Ocean's Apart' examines the difficulties of a long distance relationship, 'The Rock' is a eulogy to Rachel Sanders, mother of his partner Clare, and he gives the theme of deep resentment a good old lash in 'Gwan'.

HALF TIME REQUEST

He'd be the first to tell you there was some wild living in his younger days...well he is a musician!... but today's alcohol free days are more populated with an internal excitement, introspection and love.

His half time request wasn't for a bottle of whiskey but for a bar of chocolate as if we hadn't been treated to a musical Bounty and a Galaxy of great songs!

Like any quality box of chocolates, it's hard to pick a favourite, but a favourite I must pick.

To quote Brian... "I would like to thank my daughter Uisce for choosing me to be her father on this journey through life."

This set the stage for 'Baby Don't You Cry', written for this beautiful 10 year old after watching a Paddington Bear film together.... I choke every time at a certain line ... take my hand, you're not that strong.

If this song isn't a hit I'll eat my hat, or even one provided by a certain Gentleman's Outfitters in Bridge Street!

For a taste of Brian's soulful music and catchy tunes, check out his website at www.brianduffymusic.com where you can listen to samples and find his most recent CD/Album, The Walk.