World music in Enniscorthy
Calm, relaxation and exuberance aren't usually mentioned in the same breath but they describe the remarkable combination of musical ideas and talents at work in Parisse Métisse. Wexford is known for musical innovation but this really was a remarkable show by Jean Baptiste and Letitia Perisse, at the Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy last week. I'm pleased to say I was there. Richard Lee joined them for the opening and closing pieces, with strong hints of Oriental influence. Letitia is a remarkable artist by any standard. I counted nine instruments in her repertoire, including the clarinetta, a remarkably long tubular arrangement with a deep base sound. Letitia extracts wonderfully expressive notes from this amazing instrument. I don't envy her the task of carrying that big thing around! She played several virtuoso pieces on gourd flutes ( Hulusi) of Chinese origin. Her vocal pieces remind me of Enya's Celtic themes. Her subtle use of hand drums (tongue drums) comb