Somewhere between a yawn and a sneeze might be the best way to describe the Solas concert at Hering Auditorium tonight.
While the band certainly had many fine moments — the musical inerplay was top-notch throughout — too many of those moments were ballads. Nothing wrong with ballads, but it was clear every time the band kicked into high gear with a jig or reel that was what the bulk of the audience was after, to the point of clapping along as appropriate.
But just when the energy level of the hall went up, Solas quickly doused the flames with another mellow song. The rapport bands so often talk about creating with their audience never developed here.
The long intermission did not help and in fact wasn’t needed. The band talked way too much between songs, so when the intermission came, only six or seven songs were performed. More music, less talk and no break would have also aided the energy of the gig.
Solas is a talented band, that cannot be denied, but on this evening, talent alone wasn’t enough. —Glenn BurnSilver
©Glenn BurnSilver/Liner Notes, 2008-2011.
