Mark Geary @ Whelan's 27 August 2004
by Gareth Maher
Friday morning saw the release of Mark's new album (3rd to be exact but his first album is no longer available) but it was now Friday evening. After battling past the smokers who stalled entry into the venue, finally getting the barmaid's attention, claiming a spot of territory beside the stage, it was time for the music to begin.
Opening the proceedings was the ever-illustrious Brendan O'Shea. With a wry smile, he began with some whimsical guitar strumming that eased the crowd down to a comfort level where the music could be appreciated. As he rendered a delightful yet emotive churning 'Ember', a silhouette of him and his guitar was projected through the dimly lit venue. 'Tired Eyes' struck with an array of integrity before Brendan tendered the strings of his guitar charmingly on the love-letter pure 'Grace'. Clearly taken aback by the crowd's reaction and their collective humming, he could hardly find the words to say thank you. He ended with 'Extra-ordinary', allowing the faint voices to sing with him. One thing is for sure; when Brendan comes back next year with his new album he will have many new fans.
It was strange to see Geary arrive with a backing band, but it goes hand in hand with the sound of the new songs. A full house anxiously waited for the set to begin, shushing the more talkative members of the crowd. 'Don't shush tonight as we're gonna get them' the songwriter said with a cheeky grin. Lights dipped as 'Mid-nite Sun' gently reeled everybody in with its smooth melody. Ann Scott came on stage to add backing vocals to 'You're The Only Girl' where a large proportion of the crowd proved they bought the album by singing the infectious chorus aloud. It became clear just as Geary started a snappy version of 'Beautiful' that something has changed with his live performance. He has become more professional. With the new songs comes a new sound, hence the backing band, but his onstage persona has differed slightly. He seemed more reserved; more concentrated without losing his little bits of humour and joyous enthusiasm that is trademark of every Geary show.
An almost acoustic version of 'Ghosts' is quickly transformed into a pulsating affair with some Bob Marley ('Could You Be Loved') thrown in. Applause echoes throughout the venue. The acoustic guitar is ditched for the electric as the tempo is raised on 'America' with the drums making a big difference. Colm Quearney (aka Q) and Karl Odlum are part of the backing band that adds a winding bass, rhythmic drumbeats and extra riffs to each song. The band and the crowd's reaction to everything Geary does, proves just how popular he is becoming. It's about time too as he deserves it. Superb versions of 'It Beats Me', 'Fanfare' and 'Suzanne', with a cheeky skit of The Streets' 'Dry Your Eyes' mixed in, brought about a hectic atmosphere. Again Geary blended in some recognisable lines, this time from The Beatles' 'I've Got A Feeling' into a pounding 'Volunteer'. The professional Geary seemed to be slipping away as his infamous charming personality started to reveal itself more and more. 'Gingerman', 'Adam & Eve' and a shivering 'Morphine' started to wrap things up before Ann Scott appeared again. There was only one song left to polish off this performance, a song that is almost a trademark closer of his- 'Hold Tight'. Its graceful elegance soothes, the crowd's involvement of repeating the chorus soars and the simplicity of the lyrics and harmony of the tune is so infectious that it warms the heart of everyone in the crowd.
Mark Geary just gets better and better. With his new album out now and his live shows exciting crowds here and in America, he could well turn out to be Ireland's most popular singer/songwriter. After Christy Moore that is.