Paul Keating Reviews The Cuckoo Sings.

Review of Concert at Brighton Festival Fringe 2004
St Georges Church Kemptown Brighton.

The Cuckoo Sings is at once many things. It is a song cycle, a concept piece and a choral work.

There is evidence of the colours from the palettes of The Moody Blues, The Beatles and figureheads from the past like Kodaly and Bartock.

Sometimes the presence and power of this work has an almost 'Otherworldly' feel behind it which melts into what might be hints of Gregorian chant revisited in the twenty first century. A sense of presence and atmosphere established it's self in the opening bars which further strengthens with the first entry of the choir melding beautifully to complete a unified whole, the sense of space, mellowness and mystery was to remain for the duration of the piece. The musical search for personal and global identity which David described in the programme notes had begun.

Overall this piece shimmers with an etheric beauty. The Cuckoo Sings is a rare and beautiful find professionally performed by David and his band with the choir being sensitive and expertly directed.

I look forward to hearing again from this fine collaboration.

Paul Keating. Music reviews/music now.