Bournemouth Folk Club

TINDERBOX

The Centre Stage, Bournemouth

Saturday, April 17, 2010

   It was standing room only at a jam-packed Centre Stage where Bournemouth Folk Club hosted the launch of the latest superb album THE STATE OF PLAY from local folk favourites Tinderbox. Monique Houraghan and Dan Tucker have been making wonderful music for some twelve years and this is by far their best album to date. They are supported on the album by a host of local musicians, most of whom played their own short set prior to Tinderbox taking to the stage.

   Joined by Bobby Burke (guitar/bass) for the first two numbers, they kicked of with the poignant title track which bemoans the world of greedy developers and rampant crime. Following on with For You Dear Emily, written for Monique’s niece, they were joined by the talented Wendy Morrow playing harp. Although suffering with a throat virus, Monique was soon into her stride and her voice was as clear and powerful as ever. With only Dan on guitar for accompaniment, Monique delivered the heartbreaking Pieces before they unveiled a new song The Load; a country song written at the request of Dan’s father, a devoted Johnny Cash fan.      Singer/songwriter Pete Christie joined Dan for the instrumental The Journey before Monique and Pete duetted on Pete’s composition, the beautifully sad Waiting in the Wings. Bobby and his sister Catherine Burke (whistle) together with Kevin Dempsey (guitar) joined the duo for another heartbreaker Pen & Paper followed by Travelling from the critically acclaimed album GOLDEN. Wendy Morrow (flute), husband Patrick (violin) and Bobby Burke (bass) were on hand to support Monique and Dan on the gorgeous Broken Trees which unfortunately, was beset by minor sound problems. Bobby and Colombian drummer Julian Leon joined the couple for the final two desperately sad numbers, Inside Out and Hold On. The audience, who had listened spellbound, screamed for more and with the clock well beyond curfew time, were rewarded when the couple returned with Simon Stanley-Ward and Catherine Burke (vocals), Kevin Dempsey and of course, Bobby Burke and Julian Leon. Monique’s voice never faltered as she delivered the beautiful a cappella opening to River to the Sea before closing with the tender love song Shine.

   Dan’s intricate style of guitar playing complements perfectly Monique’s beautiful vocals and by inviting the guest artists they were able to almost exactly replicate the music on the album. This was a concert not to be missed and it was great to see this extremely talented local duo receiving such amazing support. THE STATE OF PLAY should appeal to a far wider audience and as they embark on a three week tour of the US will hopefully, establish a fan base on that side of the Atlantic. John Roffey