Last Thursday is a night to remember. Ever since discovery of CW and especially Órla Fallon I have dreamed of seeing her do a solo performance that would be largely of her own making. Well she exceeded my most pleasant wishes a thousand fold. This was “Pure Órla” and her talented and steady hand was on it all. I apologize for the length of this post but this was HUGE for me.
I’m glad Órla rejoined her solo career and now has her freedom to show us all her incredible talent. Yet Órla is so humble these current performances don’t even have a specific name beyond
Órla Fallon in Concert or
A Performance by Órla Fallon or similar. But then again those titles are more than adequate and represents how informal and relaxed she wants these appearances to be, me thinks.
It was like Órla carefully packed a box full of her favorite things, beautifully gift wrapped it and addressed it in her own hand:
To my lovely American friends, with all my love, Órlagh. Then, like stepping out of an Irish mist, she appeared and handed us her gift. It was just that good!
This took place in the tiny KVIE TV studio which was set up to seat maybe 200 people- if that, on comfortable chairs. Órla’s performance, with her encore, went nearly one and a half hours. She was accompanied by her close friends Dan (keyboards, bodhran, and guitar) and Mary (fiddle, ukulele and backing vocals). The set list was primarily pieces from her latest album release
Distant Shore with several important additions including
Aililiu Na Gamhna and
Isle of Innisfree. Of course Órla accompanied herself, standing so straight and tall, at her harp, for these and several pieces. Astonishingly, to my knowledge, KVIE didn’t even film this, let alone broadcast it!
I know how Órla lights up a large stage in a grand hall with CW. For years I have read in these Forums how Órla also “lights up” a small room when she enters. How true! Many of us shot to our feet* and everyone offered hearty applause when she walked in and took the small stage. Dan and Mary quietly sat at their instruments and without any introduction Órla opened singing a beautiful welcoming song- Homes of Donegal a cappella. You could hear a pin drop. Everyone was so taken back by her lovely delivery of this beautiful song and its warm message. It was perfect for setting the lovely tone of what was to come.
The best part for me is Órla’s performance didn’t go by too fast. I love CW live, but the numbers come at you so fast I can’t savor it the way I would like. Órla has a wonderful sense of tempo, rhythm, cadence- whatever you want to call it, in the way she speaks, sings- everything she does. Therefore, Órla cast this delightful ambience over her audience, slowing the presentation down, in telling much about the songs, the artist, the history, bits of growing up in tiny Knockananna, County Wicklow and poignant stories and events that inspired the four songs that have come from her own pen.
Órla provided cool little slips of lavender paper with the image of a harp on them that we could use to write her a question(s) along with our name and hometown. Then on two occasions she read and answered many questions. Órla did this by first reading the persons name and asking them to wave to her so she could address them specifically. What class!
The girl is clearly very comfortable on stage, loves people and loves performing and making the people happy.
Órla’s performance was hands down the warmest, most personable and most beautiful I have ever seen, period. It’s also clear that Órla is a daughter of Ireland if there ever was one. She LOVES IRELAND!
For the informal “Meet ‘n Greet” the organizers had two tables (with chairs) set up for Órla to sit behind. Órla would have nothing to do with that seperation. She stood out front of the tables to meet and shake hands/hug her fans, sign their stuff and poise for pictures. Her grace in all this and genuine interest in her fans was breathtaking.
She graciously signed my four things (I had more but decided to cut back out of consideration for the other fans and Órla) and poised for three pictures with me. I shouldn’t have been surprised- Órla knows exactly who Pádraigín is- I didn’t need to explain at all. How cool is that?!!! Graciously, Órla wrote a kind message on something I had for Pádraigín.
I gave Órla a congratulations/thank you card that included a couple of small
KSVL FM Radio bumper stickers. I want to think Órla will put those on her luggage, laptop or maybe her favorite watering can or little wagon back home in her garden. Then, should Órla have a low moment, she will see the sticker and be uplifted in knowing that her music is being regularly presented with great care and respect in rural Northern Nevada, USA.
Órla is like a most delightful contradiction- too sweet, kind and open to be real yet she is as real and authentic as they come with no airs about her at all. I thank God I know of Órla and had this opportunity to thank her personally for her music.
We are witnessing a great time for Celtic music and Órla Fallon! Go Órla Go!!!!
DAVID
*Actually Kasey leapt to his feet- I’m surprised his chair didn’t fly all the way back to the soundboard techs.
You’re a great guy Kasey and a great fan for Órla.
It was so good to meet you and your mom. Thank you again for your service and for bringing me THE CARDS!!! Hope to cross paths with you again- maybe SFTH Sac stop next spring!
