Irish tunes shake things up at Katharine Cornell
By Danielle Zerbonne
Published: April 17, 2008
Last Friday night at the Katharine Cornell Theatre, celebrated Irish fiddler Kevin Burke and guitarist Cal Scott lit up the stage with lilting Irish music, opening the 2008 Traditional Music Series presented by KCT Concerts.
The floor of the Cornell began to vibrate and creak as a spirited polka set the audience to foot-tapping, and when an especially lilting melody was concluded and Mr. Burke drew his bow across his fiddle for the song's last note, the audience collectively sounded audible sighs of pleasure.
It was the first Vineyard performance for both artists, and the two men delighted the audience with jokes and stories between songs. In his charming Irish brogue, Mr. Burke shared tales from his travels across America. Mr. Scott displayed his vocal talents in a tune he wrote about a traveler in the Lewis & Clarke expedition.
Photo by Danielle Zerbonne
Traditional Irish music enthusiasts will be familiar with Mr. Burke, who has played and recorded for over 30 years, racking up awards and accolades along the way. Mr. Scott, a musician and composer from Oregon, may be less well-known, but he performed alongside the legendary Mr. Burke with unmistakable skill and enthusiasm.
The bird-like warble of Mr. Burke's fiddle and the rollicking rhythm of Mr. Scott's guitar brought a breath of Irish spirit into the Tisbury nighttime, and the warmth of their presence was reflected by the audience in a spirit of mutual musical appreciation.
