Cosy, warm and affectionate. A simplistic take on listening to live music, then sometimes the basics just hit the spot. Of course, there are a multiple layers to The Furrow Collectives's approach drawing on a sophisticated skill base that emanates in an ease of style and craft. Three was the optimum number soothing the path as the Collective slimmed down to a trio while honing the triple effect of sing, song and sound. This third folk presentation by the MAC in little over a month raised the bar in terms of contextual appeal as The Furrow Collective showed why they are one of their genre's most durable 'part-time' collaborations.
Emily Portman, Alasdair Roberts and Lucy Farrell took the helm this evening. The cello and assorted presence of the maternity-occupied Rachel Newton was confined to the imagination on an evening where what was on offer erased a void. The combined talents of this Anglo-Scottish ensemble explored a theme, shared past riches and gave a seasonal nod, while straying into visual pastures via a strategically positioned crankie depicting original images adding a different dimension to the new record.
It was 'folk in the Foyle' again for the MAC, as the enforced move from the main theatre to a studio performing space continued. A few songs into The Furrow Collective's first set and the setting was irrelevant as the music wholly owned the moment. The show started and played out in conventional rotation beginning with Portman as lead vocal seamlessly interchanged. The crowing moment was an hour and three quarters later where one of those off-mic moments closed the evening in a privilege haze of being there.
There has been, and continues to be, many guises where you see the musical talent of Emily Portman, Alasdair Roberts and Lucy Farrell from solo to other multi-musician formats. One constant over the last decade has been their involvement in The Furrow Collective where they have just released their fourth full length album on the influential Hudson Records label. WE KNOW THE MOON was the centrepiece of the show and indeed the tour the trio are now on. Although as previously mentioned absent on the tour, Rachel Newton is a key collaborator on the record including a Gaelic vocal rendition. While most of the album featured, this one was left in the studio. Accompanying a record heavily influenced by the moon and the stars was a series of illustrations by Lucy's mum May Farrell displayed through the crankie manually turned before each song. This drew memories of American folk duo Anna and Elizabeth doing likewise in Birmingham a few years ago.
Instrumentally, we had Portman on concertina, mini keys and banjo, with the latter coming across the best. Roberts switched between acoustic and electric guitar equally played with deft qualities. Farrell also eased between a trio of tenor guitar, violin and bog standard saw delicately played with a bow. Together they play a beautiful sound that added a luscious wrapping around the jewels of the crown- two aqua pristine crystal voices and a Scottish brogue that slipped neatly in between especially in the harmonies.
The Furrow Collective forensically scan the traditional songbook for material alongside breathing new life into the work of others No borders or seas prove a barrier. Accolades, credits and stories provide a rich seam to the show. Probably too many for the layperson to recall, yet intrinsically relevant at the time adding so much immediate value.
Song highlights in this two-set performance from the new record were 'The Moon Shines Bright', 'Apprenticed in London', 'The Wild Wild Berry' and 'O Watch the Stars'. 'The Wexford Lullaby' and 'The Cherry Tree Carol' proved seasonal delights from last year's EP. When veering in an American folk direction 'Wild Hog in the Woods' does the job, while from the band's debut album 'I'd Rather Be Tending My Sheep' is the ideal audience participation number. Another song about the wren being the king of the birds caught the imagination especially in the story. This is in the same vein to Karine Polwart who tells the same story in her song 'King of the Birds'.
What The Furrow Collective do best is capture the occasion and help cast aside other thoughts. While artists always strive for the perfect show, it is tough to see what more Emily Portman, Alasdair Roberts and Lucy Farrell could have done during their time in the spotlight. It's one thing possessing talent. The key is sharing it.