That a musician of the calibre of Mick Harvey should chose to play an intimate venue in Dundalk on a Sunday in September, tells much about his character as well as his intentions.
Harvey has played with the cream of Australian new wave and beyond. A multi-instrumentalit, co producer of Mercury prize winning albums (by PJ Harvey), soundtrack composer who cut four albums interpreting the work of Serge Gainsbourg, and member of The Bad Seeds (when they were good). This only touches on the talent of Mick Harvey, musician. So why Dundalk? And why the Spirit Store?
This was intended to showcase the first of what is intended as a trilogy of albums by Harvey and Amanda Acevedo featuring singer songwriters who have inspired and influenced them. We’re talking Nick Drake and Sandy Denny (the Fairport/Cropredy style of English folk rock) and specifically American folkie Jackson C Frank. The Album due to be promoted tonight is Harvey and Acevedos 2024 ‘Golden Mirrors’, which features interpretations of much of Frank’s recorded legacy. However, Ms Acevedo ran into visa problems and couldn’t make the trip. So, plan A was scuppered.
Forced into a rethink, Harvey decided to go it alone (aided by a string quartet of local musicians). Hence, the occasionally under rehearsed, but ultimately good humoured evening of (often obscure) covers.
Highlights for me were (Lee Hazelewood’s) ‘Dirtnap Stories’ and (Gainsbourg’s) ‘Bonnie & Clyde’. The latter allowing the quartet to cut something of a rug, and really get into some well written and expertly arranged pieces. This only served to highlight the relative dirth of Harvey’s best interpretations on the night.
That said, the audience of 40 Somethings (and older) dug the event enough to give a number of standing ovations. I may have joined in if the song choices had been as strong as I know (given that I have many of his albums) Harvey has in his arsenal. Alas, for whatever reason he chose not to employ them. Who knows, he may not have had time to rehearse them. He may be fed up playing them. But, they are there. Maybe a Gainsbourg/Gainsbarre set next time!
There was a support act, Susie Higgie who set things up nicely with an acoustic set and was joined by Mick Harvey for a finale, neatly dovetailing into his own show.
It’s worth repeating that this was a hastily rearranged performance, and in the spirit of “the show must go on” should be applauded for that.
Just Sayin G.
Suzie Higgie photos:
Mick Harvey photos:
Photos – David McEneaney @experimentzero
Words – Gerry McCrave