Breabach Performs At The Garden Of Unearthly Delights’ Aurora Spiegeltent – Adelaide Fringe Review

The Garden Of Unearthly Delights’ Aurora Spiegeltent, Sat Mar 14 When it comes to Scottish traditional music, one can’t expect a bagpipe-free zone – and at times we had duelling bagpipes – expertly played. But that was just the start of the music on offer with Breabach on the stage! The pipers both had other instruments, such as tin whistles of various sizes and shapes and a Celtic bouzouki. Then add violin, guitar, Cajun and double bass and five very good vocalists (each of the members), plenty of passion, a great sense of fun and irrespective of your taste in music– you are in for a treat. In fact, as well as being immersed in the sound at times, Breabach had me in a far away dream place – a lovely mellow afternoon delight. As well as the traditional music and a little history about the tracks, there was a good sprinkling of original compositions. Singing was in English, as well as Celtic – it’s always fascinating what happens to strong accents when people sing. Given the quality of the voices at Breabach’s disposal, I’d encourage more voice – they shine! Some of the traditional songs have been very sweetly rearranged and perhaps one might add tastefully so. We were introduced to an old style bagpipe solo tradition, known for 30 and 40 minute songs, but this had been expertly arranged to feature the bagpipes, as well as having the rest of the band decorate the tune (and still be only 5 minutes in the playing). Interestingly one track came from last year’s visit (they played WOMAD, Australia and New Zealand in 2014 and collaborated with some Maori and Australian aboriginal artists – and created some new music). You’ve still got the last day of the Adelaide Fringe Festival to enjoy and explore – Breabach would be a perfect closing act. Clayton Werner Breabach continues at The Garden Of Unearthly Delights’ Aurora Spiegeltent until Sun Mar 15. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.