This is your first visit in Poland, you have a lot of fans here, who have been waiting for your concert for so long. What happened that you finally decided to come here?
It is a good question! I think that what happened was not because of my personal intentions, but because of the course and rules of the promotional action. My agent had to check if the concert in Poland would be available, namely if there would be enough interest for it. It was a bit complicated and took us some time. However, in terms of myself, from the beginning I was very eager to come!
You are coming to Poland shortly after releasing a brand-new CD "Troubadours on the Rhine" on February 26th - what does it content, by what were you inspired while creating this material?
It was a radio programme, we recorded it at a German radio station in March 2011. Afterwards, we heard some voices that it might be nice to share it. The concert was a part of a promotional tour for my last studio record "The Wind That Shakes The Barley". I only performed for about one hour and 30 minutes, with two other musicans, Brian Hughes - guitars and Caroline Lavelle - cello. Summing up, it was rather a promotional work that was recorded for the radio.
Your new CD differs from the previous ones, mainly by the small line-up. Why did you choose only two musicans (Brian and Caroline) and just them to accompany you on this CD?
Firstly, I know and have been working with Brian and Caroline for many years. Secondly, I thought about the arrangement line - that they would be the most suitable to play with the expression needed for this recording. Brian is able to cover many string instruments, like guitars, oud, bouzouki. Caroline is a very talented cello player, very emotional at the same time. I have been successfully cooperating with them for many years, including the latest CD. That was the general way of arrangements for "Troubadours on the Rhine".
What qualities of the musican do you find the most important, what makes you decide to invite somebody to work with you?
I present at the same time "classical" and "emotional" approach, trying to balance between knowledge and love. First of all, something that is obvious - such musicans should have appropriate competence, should be professionals in their work. However, it is also very important for me if they are able to contribute to the arrangement at the pretty high level. I appreciate other music genres, other culture expressions very much. If the artist has such musical practice, it would be highly recommended.
What don‘t you like in your work, what makes you irritated, annoyed?
I will give one example. When I create a piece in the studio, I develop it and finally record it. After some time it might happen that I realise how I should have done it a kind of the better way - but I do not have time to do it once again, as for many reasons - the costs, time, recording schedule, etc. Then I am annoyed and worried, because I am always trying to do my best in my musical work.
What do you expect from this visit, from seeing Poland, Polish fans - have you heard of them so far?
Oh, yes, I have! It is very nice! And I am really glad that it turned out that there are so many fans of my music here, I have been corresponding with them. It is a very human thing that people are enjoying, are proud of having their favourite artist or group. As far as travelling is concerned, I always encourage people to visit other countries - this is always unforgettable experience, but during my tours I am always looking for people. Experience something of the country where we are is what I really appreciate. Unfortunately, in Poland I will not have a lot of time for sightseeing...
Which material are you going to perform at the concerts in Poland?
As far as the material, it would be a kind of jumping, a small "mix" from all of my CD's but focusing on the Celtic history. Polish audience would primarily hear my pieces inspired by the traditional Celtic repertoire. Surely, there will be quite a few songs from the 2010 release "The Wind that Shakes the Barley".
Are you preparing anything special for Polish audience?
That would be my fantasy! Being able to create a piece that would be especially dedicated to Polish audience is my dream. I even talked with my manager about it, but I do not have enough time as I am engaged in doing a lot of business things, connected with this tour, too. It is simply not as a result of my not wanting to, it is just a trivial case of lack of time.
What do you feel during your performance, at the very moment, when you are on the stage with your excellent musicans, listening to the music?
During the concert I have to be quite concentrated. Some people may think that my mind is wandering in the clouds then, but it is not. I want to do my best and completely contribute to everything that I am doing on the stage, because the audience have come to hear performance of the excellent quality. And it is quite difficult to concentrate with the mind in the clouds! Your mind starts "drifting away" which is always very dangerous for the course of the performance.
Thank you for a very nice talk. Have a great time in Poland!
