FW: WHAT THE PRESS SAYS

 

[niamhparsons] 

 THE OLD SIMPLICITY

Irish Echo

Her willingness to sing so starkly and compellingly about injustice, without fear of red-state-baiting or Fox News spinning, should shame all those contemporary folk singer-songwriters still channelling Dr. Phil.

If you're looking for an escape from the woes of the world, this CD is probably not going to help you except as catharsis - but if you're looking for an honest encounter with or an unflinching depiction of spreading social and political blight, then this CD should open your eyes as well as your heart.  Recognition precedes action: it's something Niamh Parsons understands as one of Ireland's most skilful song interpreters.

Earle Hitchner


www.musicinscotland.com

Old simple style it may be, but it's a refreshing change from some incongruously orchestrated folk manners!

Boston Herald:  (Dan Gewertz)

Niamh Parsons may not be the most famous Irish Balladeer, but many feels she's the best.  This rare singer is both emotionally haunting and tonally as clear as crystal.  She celebrates the release of her sublime new album with her great guitarist Graham Dunne.

Irish Voice (Paul Keating)

Out with a new CD is one of Ireland's most captivating voices.  Niamh Parsons, The Old Simplicity is notable not only for her clear distinct singing style that goes down as well as a velvety-smooth and earthy Guinness, but for her penchant of picking great songs.

Boston Globe (Scott Alarik)

Over the past decade, Parsons has emerged as one of Ireland's premier traditional divas.  Her dusky mezzo is a gorgeous ballad instrument....She is right at home with both the contemporary songs she sprinkles amid the trad gems on her new CD, The Old Simplicity.  Whether singing about the human toll of hard times; the 'heroes that don't come home' or the ache of love lost, she always seems to be just telling us her own story.

Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

The Old Simplicity is dignified and burns its passion quietly like a smouldering fire. There's poetry in here, and tragedy and defeat, and above all empathy and love. Highly recommended. 

REVIEWS OF LIVE AT FYLDE

David Kidman www.netrhythms.co.uk

Although neither Niamh nor Graham wastes a single note or nuance in their matchless renditions of predominantly traditional songs, there's never a feeling of perfunctory auto-pilot readthrough about their performances, instead we get a quality of stillness, a measured calm that in its very poise builds around it the space for the interpretations to breathe and grow.......in every respect one of those hen's-teeth "would've given all to be there" live records (you can tell that by the ultra-enthusiastic reception Niamh and Graham get from the audience.

 

 

LIVE REVIEWS

 

Old Songs March 2006 Glenn Weiser

 

Niamh Parsons is a fine, real-deal traditional singer, and with Graham Dunne's forward-looking accompaniment, you could call their time-melting music Old Guinness in a New Bottle. 

 

John Venditti

 

A delightfully unique combination of sounds tonight.  A strong, rich and vibrant Celtic voice and a mellow but lively acoustic guitarist with pleasant strains of Brazil and Argentina.  Niamh and Graham were truly heartfelt musicians, really reaching deep into the heart and soul.  And quite witty entertainers to boot!  I had a great evening!