Catrin Finch and Seckou Keita at Brighton Dome: Review

Thursday, May 20

THE unique pairing of Welsh harpist Catrin Finch and Senegalese kora player Seckou Keita made for an invigorating live performance.

Their 2021 Brighton Festival appearance was their first concert in over 15 months, and the sense of excitement from both the musicians and the audience was thrilling.

I was surprised that the instruments were microphoned, but it gave the sound of the instruments more dynamism and energy than a traditional setup.

The interplay between the two was astonishing at times, with rhythmic plucking of Finch's harp accompanying some stunning dexterity in Keita's kora.

And then the roles would reverse, with Finch stepping into the spotlight to solo, or the music would leap into a funkier back-and-forth, call-and-response mode, to keep the audience on their toes.

Seckou Keita and Catrin Finch. Photo: Andy Morgan

The varied sound world also included harmonics from Finch, drumming on the instruments, and some lovely sonorous singing from Keita.

Finch and Keita's charisma extended from their bright, moving melodies to their interactions with each other and the audience.

There was a relaxed and playful atmosphere, which ventured into the theatrical at times, with funny mime work from Keita making for a mischievous mood.

The insights regarding the songs’ inspirations were fascinating: the duo's first song, an ode to a particular osprey called 'Clarach', set the mood for the rest of the evening.

The instruments wove over and around each other like birds, and syncopated rhythms played between quieter moments.

Their take on the majesty of Bach and Baïsso contrasted well with more playful songs, and a plaintive ode to the sea in ‘Les bras de mer’ was a poignant highlight.

A mesmerising and joyful performance.

****

Joe Fuller