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The Scottish folk singer Elsa Jean McTaggart is a regular fixture at the Edinburgh Fringe each year. In this presentation, she showcases the work of great female folk singers from these islands and from North America. In this tribute, she makes no attempt to imitate the singers she honours. Instead, she puts her own stamp on these wonderful songs.
From Emmylou Harris’s Tulsa Queen, we tour around Scotland with an interpretation of her own aunt Janet Russell’s song, Hill of Ardmorn and Elsa Jean’s own mum’s favourite song, How can I keep from Singing? as popularised by Jean Redpath. We shoot across to Ireland for a tearjerking version of Mary Black’s Song for Ireland and then cross back to Wales for a spirited rendition of Mary Hopkin’s Those Were the Days; audience participation was encouraged. England was represented by the poignant Sandy Denny song, Who Knows Where Time Goes?
Crossing the Atlantic, the legendary Joan Baez is recognised with a version of The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down and Joni Mitchell with her signature song, Big Yellow Taxi.
On the back of this enjoyable tribute concert, Elsa Jean McTaggart has released a tribute CD, also entitled Great Women of Folk. Copies are available in the vestibule on the way out. I bought one.
Reviewed by David Kerr
Venue53theSpace @ Surgeons Hall – Fleming Theatre
- 17:40
- Aug 20, 22, 24, 26
- 50 minutes
- Suitability: 0+
- Country: United Kingdom – Scotland
- Group: Elsa Jean McTaggart
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