Solas in Carrboro: Missing Deidre

Solas
Carrboro Arts Center
March 19th, 2008

My favorite Celtic band, Solas, took the stage again at the Carrboro Arts Center last week. Of course I was there, not only to celebrate a late St. Patrick's Day with my sweetheart, but also to cheer on my American/Irish friends -- Seamus, Winifred, Mick, and Eamon.

As usual, their instrumental dance music was top-notch, although it was clear they were tired from their St. Patrick's Day blowout in Paris, France the weekend before. They played well, and had a good time, but they were noticeably tired.

The setlist was sadly lacking any new tunes. The only one "new" tune they played was one I'd heard them play before -- a set of reels they co-arranged with the Duhks for the long-awaited new Solas album. That album is still coming out "real soon now."

The worst disappointment of the night though was a complete surprise -- their lead singer, the wonderful Diedre Scanlon, has decided to leave her music career and "go back to teaching." I'm not sure what she teaches, but damn if the band isn't missing her.

They had a stand-in, thankfully only a temporary lead singer. She was a tiny, boyish little girl with too thick of an American accent and no sense of phrasing. We were not fans of her at all. Lisa somebody? I didn't catch her last name. It was apparent she was a temporary fill-in, and thank goodness.

Thankfully, when we see them at Merlefest in a few weeks they'll be rested up, with Karan Casey (their original lead singer) back on vocals (at least for this "reunion" gig), and a few other tricks up their sleeves. I hope to see a jam with them, Tim O'Brien, and Casey Driessen. Drool!