Transatlantic Sessions 6/2/2018

The annual roadshow that is Transatlantic Sessions fetched up in Bristol for a second time( and last time for a couple of years as Colston Hall is shutting from June until 2021). The usual top notch backing band saw the familiar faces of Aly Bain, Jerry Douglas, Danny Thompson, John Doyle, Russ Barenberg, Mike McGoldrick, John McCusker, Phil Cunningham, James Macintosh and Donal Shaw whilst this years guest vocalists were Daoiri Farrell, Suzy Bogguss, Secret Sisters, Julie Fowlis and Shawn Camp. Of those guests I particularly like the Secret Sisters for their harmonies and songs whilst Suzy Bogguss has a great country voice and Julie Fowlis a great folk voice. I was a bit 'meh' about Shawn Camp who had nothing striking about his singing. As usual Aly Bain's playing is mesmerically and compellingly brilliant, Jerry Douglas is a joy on the dobro and the band musicians are impeccable. There was the usual highlight of a Phil Cunningham air and the tunes led by Aly and John McCusker. Perhaps this year there was not a combination of song and vocalist that pinned me to my seat (as Rhiannon Giddens did a couple of years ago) but I shall certainly check out the Secret Sisters and I'll be back for more when I can.