How to hit the ground running

The BIB editor reports:

The first show in the current tour by the Special Consensus (USA), put together by Nigel Martyn's Old Flattop agency, was also the first 2015 show of Gerry Lawless's Clonmel World Music series, held in the big function room of the Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel (above). And the results gave great satisfaction to all parties: the Special C., Nigel, Gerry, the Raheen House, and especially the large and very enthusiastic audience.

I have seen and heard the Special C. on every tour they've made in this island since 1995, and it has always been a treat, a tonic, and an education combined. I don't think I have ever seen the band in stronger form than last night - and this has to be taken in the context that it was the first night of the tour after a relaxed holiday period, so they expect to warm up as the tour progresses. Moral: seize any opportunity of seeing any of their shows listed on the BIB calendar.

The size and enthusiasm of the audience (the show was completely sold out in advance) also says a lot for the way Gerry Lawless has built up Clonmel World Music (also on Facebook) since 2010, with a first-class sound system in a first-class venue. Add to that the fact that the Raheen House Hotel is an idyllic place to reach at the end of any length of journey, and you have several good reasons to visit Clonmel...