Paul Brady
Dublin Vicar Street
1st April, 2011

Paul Brady performed a sensitive, astute set of classic tracks to appreciative devotees, from standout favourites like Nobody Knows and The Island, to more recent numbers from the new Hooba Dooba. There were glimpses of genius when he played an impromptu Rocky Road To Dublin and an increasingly apt Hard Times At The Stations, on which he was joined by Glen Hansard (The Frames). Living The Mystery, from the new LP, held its own, but old faves prompted a bigger response: Arthur McBride being the crown. Joined by the talented Bill Shanley (Ray Davies) on guitar and Steve Fletcher (Penguin Café Orchestra) on keys added a certain magic. But for the more pop-rock numbers, such as The Long Goodbye, the fuller sound detracted from the intimacy of the song. Still, a great set from a master songwriter.