Songwriting Spotlight in Dublin's Fair City

Relish Photo: Karl Hussey

Much like an arranged marriage that has blossomed through the intent hand of fate, IMRO's monthly showcases at the Holiday Inn Dublin City Centre continue to gather attention as a must see event. The first showcase of 2003 was no different, bringing together an alluring collection of artists steeped in much flair and diversity.

First to take the stage was Maeve Dunphy from Omagh, Co. Tyrone. Armed with a natural sense of melody that pinches the senses, Maeve's songs grace you with an immediacy of warmth like the sensation of being shrouded by an electric blanket on a harsh winter's eve. With subject matters ranging from the earnest (I'm Not Wasted) to the humorous (The Munchies), the audience is compelled to toast Maeve as the perfect aperitif to this intimate evening of song.

Next up was the flash-fingered guitarist, Shay Cotter, from Celbridge in Kildare. Deep within Shay's songs lie many lessons of life, love and happiness, which are imparted through a jocular lyrical skill combined with a profound instrumental technique. By the end of his set, the audience can do nothing else but bow in delight at the marvel of this rapido pickmeister.

The penultimate performer was native Bostonian Maria Tecce. Maria sings to us about love and all its manifest variations. Expressing the emotions associated with real love, lost love, jealous love and nostalgic love in her songs, Maria touches us all with her treatment of one of the most beautiful but yet heart-wrenching of life's experiences.

The special guest performance of the night came by way of an acoustic set from brothers Ken and Carl Papenfus from Northern Ireland rockers Relish. Fresh from the studio where they have been busy putting the finishing touches to their second album, the audience was treated to some exquisite acoustic tasters of their forthcoming material. Clap along, hum along, sing along or tap along, the brothers Papenfus are the prime definition of what it is to be 'catchy'. At the end of the intimate evening, smiles were intrinsically commonplace. Now if only all gigs made you feel this good!! A cursory check of the audience revealed two of EMI's A&R team for Ireland Thomas Black and Gill Waters checking out the new talent on show.