VERSATILE VIRTUOSO Jazz vocalist Christine Tobin Pic: Ian Anderson
Ciara Moynihan
Renowned Roscommon-based jazz vocalist Christine Tobin is returning to Westport this Saturday night, March 4, for a performance in Westport Town Hall Theatre organised by local jazz-appreciation group Westport Jazz.
The Dublin-born multi-award-winning vocalist and songwriter is widely celebrated for her versatility and nonconformist musical spirit. Her latest album, ‘Returning Weather’, imaginatively weaves together song, spoken word, visual effects and top musicians from diverse disciplines to create a multi-dimensional sound that blends influences from folk, 20th-century song and jazz.
The tracks chart a journey that is part homecoming, part memoir, inspired by Christine’s return to Ireland after many years abroad, exploring themes of finding home, of dwelling and landscape, of reconnecting with a cultural background, and of reshaping a sense of identity and belonging.
Returning Weather’s songs are shaped by in the countryside around Frenchpark, Boyle and Ballaghadereen. Many touch on the subjects departures and farewells, as well as homecoming and return.
Tobin was commissioned to write this evocative new song cycle by The Dock Arts Centre in Carrick-on-Shannon with an Arts Council, Music Commissions Award.
Joining Tobin in Westport Town Hall Theatre will be Cora Venus Lunny (violin and viola), David Power (uilleann pipes and whistles), Phil Robson (guitar and electronics) and Steve Hamilton (piano).
Show starts at 8pm (doors open 7.30pm). To book tickets, call Westport Town Hall Theatre box office on 098 28459 or visit www.westporttheatre.com.