NEWS BLOG
Blackheath Halls - concert no. 28
28.10.2011
So, here it comes - my short little review about Friday nights show.
After 2005 and 2009 this was my third time attending a Cara Dillon concert at this gorgeous venue called Blackheath Halls. It was my 28th.
I have got very good memories about the 2005 and 2009 concerts. For example it was in 2005 when I first met Gizmo! But this time I was upset about the behavior of a member of the staff. Before the show started he came to me - and only to me (!) - to tell me it's not allowed to take photos or filming at all! I couldn't believe it! I was invited to come over the whole way from Germany as Cara's and Sam's guest to attend the concert. And now I wasn't allowed to take photos for my Cara Dillon fan page on the internet? While I was under custody of this staff member and only managed to do three or four photos stealthily, a guy only three seats away filming nearly the whole concert (http://www.youtube.com/user/ballyduff100#g/u)!!! AAARGH!!!!
But coming to the facts:
Concert started at 20:00 with two funny guys, Joe Francis and Marty Smyth, from Winter Mountain. They reminded me of Simon & Garfunkel or the Olsen Brothers. As I learned from Sam after the concert, both signed a contract to Charcoal Records and working hard to get their first album released. During their half an hour show they did nearly all songs of their EP "The Winter Mountain Band" (http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/wintermountain/from/viglink).
After an interval of half an hour the main event of the evening started. Cara and Sam entered the stage accompanied by Emma Sweeney, Ed Boyd and Luc Daniels. For me a nearly complete new line up.
I was curious about what the first live concert after one and a half year would offer.
The set list:
01. Johnny, Lovely Johnny
02. Jimmy Mó Mhíle Stór
03. Black is the colour
04. I wish you well
05. Garden Valley
06. Erigh Suas A Storin
07. Jigs
08. Come Flying with me (from Tinker Bell)09. The Verdant Braes Of Skreen
10. Avalanche
11. Reels
12. Hill of Thieves
13. P stands for Paddy
---- Encore --------------------------
14. Parting Glass
Beside the music Cara and Sam entertained us with a couple of funny stories and Sam's fact section. So Cara learned that it is not the best idea to drink a self-mixed medicine with freshly grounded black pepper if you have to do singing right afterwards. Or the brave twin boys fighting a strong nose bleed and were sure it will be mortal. Or poor Noah, being blamed for the flooded house of Cara and Sam - nomen est omen! 
For me it was a special concert because of the long time laying between this and my last concert in 2010 at East Wintergardens.
I enjoyed the set list with the two new songs. But it was also a little bit strange to listen to well known songs new arranged for the new line up. And I have to say that the lack of a drum kit, a double bass and an uilleann pipe makes a huge difference to me. For example "I wish you well" now is a totally other song to me:
@Gary: As I mentioned before, I asked Cara sand Sam about a new album. They told me that they didn't find enough time for composing during the last six months. The breeding of three children can be a real time bandit. But now, after Noah and Colm starting school, they might have some more time for composing. I'm sure we are going to see a new album by the end of next year (no pressure Sam! 
).
After one and a half year I was able to travel to London again and attended the gig at Blackheath Halls.
