29 October 2008

Lily Neill / David Hughes, St Marys Church, Brading

Heart Warming Harp

American harp player Lily Neill lit up a cold November evening with an exemplary performance of her own compositions and traditional pieces in the lovely setting of the historic church of St Mary The Virgin, Brading.

The evening began with an engaging half hour set by Island singer/songwriter David Hughes who has just released his second CD 'Sign Language' with the first day of Advent only a day away, David appropiately ended with his own Christmas song.

Lily Neill's playing immediately caught the attention of the audience. Her first piece seamlessly wove together folk and classical elements. Lily's lovely clean playing technique also impressed in her second piece - a Scottish strathspey. One of the highlights of the evening was her third set of tunes - a beautifully played Finnish polska, showing that she has absorbed new influences by being based in Helsinki in recent months. A soothing set of Irish gigs completed the first part of Lily's set.

Her longer second set included more reflective pieces (including one from Sweden), again highlighting Lily's talent for composition. You could detect signs that the masterful County Clare fiddler Martin Hayes is a growing influence - Lily calmly stretches out the tune to follow the path where her inspired improvisation takes it.

St Marys vicar the Rev. David Abingdon, thanking Lily in a closing address described her playing as mesmerising.

Lily has plans to be in the UK again in May 2009, so I hope it may be possible for her to grace the Island again.

Vic King