Howay the Lasses, played to a standing room only audience. Appearing as a trio, each new song was very well received and developed a theme of courageous and strong women from the North East. The opening arrangement of the Janet Taylor song, ‘Mistress of science and sea’, applauds the mathematician, the navigator, teacher of marine officers, born in County Durham. In a lilting, accordion-driven melody played by Annie Ball, whose harmonies with the delightful vocal talent of Bronwen Davies-Jones, captivated the audience and told a true story in a folk tune, delicately accompanied by Bev Morris on acoustic guitar.
Female muffin man, the Handsome cabin boy songs, delighted the audience as each witty singable song continued; whistle playing and flute from Bronwen added to the charming melodies as each new composition had the pub audience enchanted. Howay the Lasses, is very much a modern folk band, with a mission to maintain the momentum of the success of women’s football and played at the NUFC first game at St James’ Park.
Their celebratory folk themes are as relevant today in football as they are in remembering the vital role undertaken by women in heavy industry and engineering during the war years; Lady Parsons, Women’s Engineers Society song, exemplified the very need to keep these memories alive. The audience left happier, entertained by artful and joyful music, happier folk, whose faith in the lasses of yesteryear and today was affirmed.
Mark Bell saw Howay the Lasses at the Cumberland Arms.
A Newcastle Fringe event. There is still a lot going on!
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