They started with something traditional, Tom Banes Blues, and the audience were immediately under the bewitching spell of The Shee.
With constantly shifting textures created by the inter weaving of the two violins/viola (Shona Mooney and Olivia Ross), accordion (Amy Thatcher), flute (Lillias Kinsman-Blake) and electroharp (Rachel Newton), the two sets floated by in an enchanted atmosphere of Gaelic folk and Scottish song.
The ensemble playing was special, the arrangements meticulous. The five ladies are normally six but their mandolinist/vocalist Laura-Beth Salter was absent. However with two other accomplished singers in the band this was no problem.
A majority of the compositions are written by the group and these sat comfortably alongside the traditional pieces. Nothing was forced or artificial, neither in the music or its presentation.
When Amy put down her accordion and popped on her dancing clogs another ingredient was added, but variety was never an issue. The jig Northern Frisk flowed into the slow and exquisite song Vandy Vandy.
Although exceptional players the individuals were rarely featured as soloists, their talents always harnessed to those shifting textures. The Shee loved the Ropetackle and the Ropetackle loved them back.
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