MUSIC REVIEW: The Parkington Sisters: Mozart & Bob Dylan?!


"There, There" Radiohead cover
© Parkington Sisters - Used with permission

Sat. Sept. 18, 2010.
 
What a night!... The Parkington Sisters' music escapes modern comparisons...they just don't fit into any convenient musical genre found on radio today. Is that a blessing or a curse?  When asked to describe their music, even the sisters themselves had trouble putting a fine point on it. But one enthusiastic spectator replied "Their music?...Like Mozart and Bob Dylan fell in love, got married and had 5 daughters!"

Defying adequate definition these days is probably a good thing. But the following Facebook post is the reflection on the night from one eager member of the audience (in the back row!). We can't write perspective as 'spot-on' as this...well, we could, but we'd be as transparent as window glass, and boring!  We think the following post sums up the night perfectly: 

"The Parkington Sisters performed at the New North Music Hall in historic Hingham, Massachusetts, September 18, 2010. The Hall is affiliated with New North Church, founded by general of the Revolutionary War, Benjamin Lincoln, 200 years ago. Every word and note the Parkington Sisters sang and played was audible in this sturdy and elegant hall. About fifty spirited spectators enjoyed the simple beauty and intimacy of this stately auditorium. The Parkington Sisters adjusted easily in this setting and received enthusiastic applause as they charmed everyone present. Their new CD "Till Voices Wake Us" was on sale. The CD jacket is very nicely designed with a separate card that contains the lyrics of the thirteen songs. After the concert the Parkington Sisters mingled with the crowd, all five autographing my copy of their CD. It was a very memorable event."

There were many in the crowd, if not ALL present, that would have likely dictated the same conclusion as above, if asked to do so. From the moment 'the sisterhood' graced the stage, the crowd was hushed into a blissful, self-induced silence...scarcely talking or moving, waiting for more of "...that which moves us beyond all measure." Musical euphoria. Mozart's music was famously quoted as having that rare ability to "...Make the Divine human, and the human, Divine." This same sentiment holds true for the music of the Parkington Sisters.

Immediately following the last note of their last song, a crowd began to form to purchase a copy of their newly minted CD, Till Voices Wake Us. The songlist from the nite is listed here for your pleasure. (* indicates particular stand-out performances on this night - but all were amazingly beautiful and haunting).

1. Sailor Song* - feat. Lydia Parkington

2. Raindrops

3. Geese

4. Eagle and the Wolf* - feat. Nora Parkington
5. Sleepwalk

6. America*

7. Skeleton 

8. The Calling
9. Chains* - feat. Sarah Parkington

9. Snow is Dropping

10. The Orchard* - feat. Rose Parkington - Featured on their new album, "Till Voices Wake Us", and recent played this song with Cape Cod Symphony few weeks back.. videos on their website
11. Shake Sugaree* - All - Elizabeth Cotten - who musical talent wasn't discovered until she was 85 years old!

12. There There* - feat. Rose Parkington - Radiohead cover...one of the reasons/inspirations the sisters began playing the streets of Provincetown years back

13 Let Go* - feat. Rose Parkington  

14. Encore - Goodbye (Beatles bootleg)

The Ravens  by sharp contrast (due to age and sex, not necessarily talent) did not disappoint either. This Duxbury-based, acoustic guitar-weilding quartet (was recently a quintet, but that's a sticky subject) kept the crowd visibly entertained with their rendition of Wicked Game (Chris Isaac classic) and a score of others that kept the patrons warm and toes tappin'.  No one yelled "FREEBIRD" although one might expect such a number from this crew, with chops to match a low-key Skynard lineup and songs from the way-back machine to boot.  Here's the set list you might want to bookmark for your next outing to see these gents -- a show not to be missed: (* standouts on this night)

1. Wicked Game
2. My Back Pages*
3. Woodstock*
4. Every Little Thing
5. So Far From Home*
6. Heaven's on the Way
7. Marilyn*
8. Box of Letters
9. Someone Special
10. Beautiful Friends
11. I am a Pilgrim!
12. Sea-colored Eyes
13. Knockin' on Heaven's Door*

Again, it was a nite to remember and we don't think the hall will hear this much harmony again until the Mormon Tabernacle Choir comes a callin'.  Until then, keep listening and always...keep it real!

-NNMH

 

Posted by New North Listening Room at 9/20/2010 7:59 AM
Categories: music
Tags: music parkington sisters
 

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