A wonderful full house yesterday for our concert in Woy Woy at the Everglades Country Club for the Troubadour Folk Club. Thank you to everyone who came and supported us and the Troubadour team who made it such a success.
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De Ziah and Date, 29 June 2025.
Music and pictures communicate where words fall short. Sunday's program of both film and concert from two of the very best performers you're ever likely to see, leaves me flailing as I search for the right words to express my response.
What masters this duo are of their craft. Exquisite cello from Ilse De Ziah along with the extraordinary guitar of Ian Date. These are, without doubt, one of the finest and most completely developed live music acts ever to come out of this country.
Setting out to learn about the origins of a number of the powerful, emotionally charged Irish airs, Ilse took the audience with her across Ireland as she followed the historic musical trails back as far as documents and human memory was able. The remarkable film was far more than a historical or academic documentary as we were introduced to multi-generational musical families, heritage musicians of a few musicological experts. At the same time the inspiring old houses and places of beauty across the emerald isle inspired the entire audience.
The film was also great introduction to their performance as a duo. Wow. Can they play! The full range from deep sorrow and action of profound loss to fast and furious, and everything in between.
No wonder they are so beloved in Ireland, Europe and internationally. If you missed them at the Troubadour, kick yourself. But make sure you find out where they are playing next and make sure you get there.
And don't forget to book for the next concert at the Troubadour!
In the meantime, I hope you will enjoy a few snippets from their premier performance in Woy Woy.
Michael Fine