NORTHUMBRIAN MUSIC
NIGHTS
What we said about
KIERAN HALPIN
1/9/00
Kieran's Fans Follow him to the 'Dale
I can't think why I was quite so moved to broach the subject, but after Kieran Halpin's first set last Friday night at Allendale's King's Head, I had occasion to ask the chirpy entertainer what it was that drew his adoring female fans. From his look of incredulity at the presumption, I gathered it was something of a trade secret, and not something a steel stringed 'Real Country Boy' would ever let on.
No, seriously, of course it's the music, though later, some female confidantes suggested it might also have something to do with the twinkling blue eyes and the Irish lilt. Kieran has a certain assertive guitar technique, a certain command of the room, and a loud brassy presence that must just make 'em swoon.
I could see, from the enthusiasm of some of his followers, as it grew during the first half of the evening, that it might be uncontainable by the finish. Sure enough, after the second set introduction and the intense revelation of what should be a pop masterpiece, the incredible 'Solo', the nostalgia of 'Paris Song', and the sentimentality of 'Sleep with an Angel', the dancing broke out at the back of the room.
They don't dance all that much, in folk circles, when a solo guy with his guitar gets into his stride. But 'I was on your side' seemed to compell a certain sway, 'Glory Days' yet more. The shakey-egg company behind the bar lent a certain percussion to the evening, and as 'Closing Time' rolled in, Kieran brought on 'I will remember love' as his encore.
Sexy folk stars, of the cuddly bearded variety, what ever oxymoron next? But it's a sure bet that devoted fans will be counting the days until Kieran Halpin's return to the 'Dale.
