Music review: Clannad, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow

Clannad, the Donegal family band who became the go-to group for evocative folk-flavoured soundtracks such as Robin of Sherwood and Last of the Mohicans, are finally hanging up their harps and harmonies after 50 years. Founding member Pádraig Duggan passed away in 2016 but his brother Noel and the Brennan siblings, Moya, Ciarán and Pól, have all embarked on an extended farewell jaunt with the next generation of Brennans also on the touring team.

Clannad

Clannad, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow ****


This thoughtful celebration of their gently evolving career spanned two sets, working largely chronologically from the traditional Irish tunes on which they were weaned right through to slick new originals such as A Celtic Dream.


The former were presented a cappella or with acoustic backing, taking in a repertoire of working songs, environmental elegies such as Thíos Fán Chósta and Rhapsody na gCrann and even a foray into Scots Gaelic, before giving way to the more polished, immaculate synth-infused soundscapes of their commercial peak in the 80s, such as the moody mysticism of Newgrange and the soothing Celtic prog sound of a suite of tracks from the Robin of Sherwood soundtrack.


The drinking song Níl Sé’n Lá highlighted their instrumental prowess with Pól Brennan cutting loose on flute and Noel Duggan’s dexterous guitar playing ringing out over a robust rhythm.


But their blended voices have always been their most powerful instrument, exquisitely showcased on the utterly haunting Theme from Harry’s Game and the powerful, soulful cross harmonies of In a Lifetime, with Moya’s daughter Aisling Jarvis deputising fluently for original guest vocalist Bono over majestic, funereal synths.