AudioCircle
Community => Regional Audiophiles => Toronto Area Audio Society => Topic started by: jimdgoulding on 12 Sep 2009, 12:55 am
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An unusual artist from your neck of the woods with a sublime instrument for a voice. Recently got turned on to her and bought "Miss America". Any you guys seen her perform? Own a copy of that?
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Hi Jim,
I got turned on to Mary Margaret O'Hara a few years back. I know she lives in the west end of Toronto, and she rarely performs live, and when she does it's usually to back up another musician. She will occasionally do a few songs at a show with multiple artists.
About two months ago, my friend let me know that she was playing a solo show in the city. To be honest, it's one of her first solo shows in a good few years I would say. Unfortunately I was out of town, or I would have been there for sure!
She is very well known among musicians here, and she sang some backup on Justin Rutledge's last album. I know she has a rabid following in the UK, and I forget which UK magazine it was, but they rated "Miss America" as one of the top ten albums ever (!). She is a tremendous talent, but I believe she has mental health issues which can impact her ability to work.
I really love that album, it is very unique and her voice is classic Irish awesomeness.
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She is one of the most original vocal artists ever, I imagine. Equal parts eclectic, bell canto, improvisor, performance artist, and with intense passion. I think I understand why she has a cult following. Thanks for chiming in and welcome.
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Thanks Jim,
She is a great talent, and her album is terrific. It would be nice if she'd record more. Actually- if you ever want to catch her live, there is one time you're almost guaranteed to find her. She has played shows on every St. Patrick's Day pretty reliably for a number of years. Here's a flickr photostream of this year's event. A friend of mine was there and said it was pretty awesome.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dawnone/sets/72157626172149993/with/5538799414/