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Probably the best way to sum up the essence of Capercaillie is with the following comment regarding the song Homer's Reel. The song was written while the band was recording along a bay in Sardinia where legend has it that Homer the Greek God spent some time. However, the band insists that the Greek Homer should not be confused with Homer Simpson, although both are considered great philosophers. Yes, a beautiful melding of poetic musicianship and gracious humor. In one moment, you would find yourself lost inside of the near meditational haven of music that transcends any language boundaries (which makes their latest record title Choice Language an ideal description). In the next moment, keyboardist Donald Shaw would have you laughing out loud while he described how the theatrical setting of the Triple Door reminded him of The Fabulous Baker Boys. He then promised to get Karen to drape herself over the keyboards or at the very least, have male guitarist Manus Lunny perform an erotic dance. To describe lead vocalist Karen Matheson's voice, I'll need to borrow the words of Sean Connery, as I can think of no more accurate or perfect a way to describe it. "Her voice was kissed by God." Karen's voice, along with the incredible musicianship of everyone on stage, was accentuated by the astute attention that was devoted to the venue's sound system. It is obvious that the owners and creators of the Triple Door are music lovers themselves. The venue seems to commit itself to the full potential of the musical experience for every guest in the room. From the assiduous stage lighting to the attentive positioning of the seats, the Triple Door is respective of the artists and the audience that has come to hear them. From every note of each instrumental song, Karen would remain on stage and sit silently to the right while tapping her toes and supporting her band mates (Manus Lunny on bouzouki, Charlie McKerron on fiddle, Donald Shaw on keyboards and accordion, Ewen Vernal on bass, Michael McGoldrick on flute and pipes, David Robertson on percussion and Che Beresford on drums). Then, when it came time to layer her vocals on top of the music, the Celtic blend of soaring angelic vocals resting on everything from flutes to fiddles to percussion would combine with one another in a way that proved each of the musicians on stage were a necessity. A nice vacation from the monotony of many of today's artists, Capercaillie provide an enriching outlet that is adorned by the musical talent that provides its backbone. |
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