Live-streaming is the new normal, with musicians big and small getting in on the act from homes all over the world. Here's our pick of the last week's offerings...
SODA BLONDE AND LYRA
After last week’s performances by Rodrigo y Gabriela and Theo Katzman from Vulfpeck, it was back to the homegrown talent on The Ruby Sessions at Home. First Lyra performed from her mum’s house in Cork, then the four-piece band Soda Blonde played their excellent new EP – written and recorded separately in lockdown – in full.
DOLLY PARTON
On Monday night, stars including Morgan Freeman, Jon Bon Jovi, Meryl Streep and Diane Keaton appeared and performed in support of Covenant House, a homeless charity in the US. Also appearing was Dolly Parton, who performed a heartfelt version of her song Try.
You can watch the full two-hour show here.
THE MARY WALLOPERS
Dundalk trad group The Mary Wallopers – who are also known as hip-hop band TPM – did another epic, two-and-a-half-hour stay-at-home session on Friday night, full of music and craic.
CIAN NUGENT
Dubliner Cian Nugent – a singer, songwriter, producer and virtuoso guitarist – played a captivating 45-minute set of songs and instrumentals on Tuesday evening.
PRINCE
One of many artists digging up treats from the archives is the late, great Prince. Hs YouTube channel streamed a very special gig from 1985’s Purple Rain tour, with newly remastered audio for the full experience of His Purpleness.
GAVIN JAMES
Saturday was World Whiskey Day, and Jameson put together something of a magazine show on its YouTube channel. Gavin James performed a few acoustic songs at their Bow Street visitor centre, whle whiskey fans could enjoy some cocktail tutorials and a bit of a history lesson.
DUNCAIRN VIRTUAL CABARET
After seven weeks, Duncairn Arts Centre in Belfast has retired its Virtual Cabaret series of performances from Irish artists. The final one on Saturday featured a wide range of musicians including Jinx Lennon, Emma Langford and Ian Lynch from Lankum.
JOHN TAYLOR AND MARK RONSON
Finally, we’ll end with an interview – Duran Duran bassist John Taylor, who has recovered from Covid-19, in conversation with super-producer Mark Ronson, talking about their respective careers, life in lockdown and what ‘the new normal’ might look like.
