I.R.I.S introduces Marie Keane

Ask yourself this question… When was the last time that a live musical performance gave you tingles down your spine and brought a tear to your eye?

If you can't remember when, then obviously you missed out on the IRIS Magazine Launch on Thursday, February 6th.Well consider yourself officially 'out of the loop'. The night proved to be a Show Case for the rawest and freshest talent to have hit the Irish music scene in recent months.

Among such established acts as Doug Sheridan, 66 Electric and Louise Byrne, was a relative new comer… Marie Keane. Her unique, refreshing and sexy cut on the guitar/soloist genre earned her a spot (if not two) in Temple Bar Music Centre's 'Acoustic Room'. I had the pleasure of overseeing the running of this room and experienced the music and vibe first hand.

The night was kick-started with a spell-binding rendition of Nina Simone's 'Feelin' Good', sung by Marie and accompanied by Mark Duffy on guitar. The combination of two such talented performers resulted in a powerful, emotional mood being set. Serendipity was on form when this evocative music was visualised through the timing and work of some Fire Performers behind the glass stage, who chose to begin their display at that precise moment. This was going to be a tough act to follow.

For all of you who missed out I will attempt to describe this fantastic performance. However, I feel that are not enough superlatives to do this act justice. All be it unfair to try to compare Marie's voice to others, it must be done in order to convey her true ability and talent. Without hesitation I would put her on a par with such female artists as Sarah McLachlan, Paula Cole and Jewel. But I'd be quick to add that it's her technical ability and not similarity of style that earn her this accolade. Marie Keane sounds like none other than… Marie Keane! Yet influences of the above artists along with a dominant Blues vibe, a rhythmic Jazzy undertone and a beautiful tonality combine to give her unique voice.

All the while, I was wondering who had written the next song and was surprised to learn that it was a culmination of both their talents. The second and third pieces were originals by Mark Duffy. Assisted by Marie, Mark wrote 'Not Even To Fall', which is a well-rounded song, technically simple and therefore poignant. It was quickly followed by another Duffy song called 'Cant Get Close to You'. It was at this point that their partnership excelled, giving a pining song that was whine free and expressed achingly through the soothing, sleek notes that Marie mastered. Could this be their first commercial single?!

The performance continued in a similar vein with more original pieces and a few covers, namely 'You Make it Easy' by Air and the classic 'Red House', Jimi Hendrix style. On singing this song, the atmosphere in the room changed once again. The power and effortless force of her voice enabled her to vamp up the mood in an instance. Marie seemed even more at home with this bluesy, jazzy style and the true ability of her talent shone through. Those low, reverberating deep throat groans smacked of the range and power of one Christina Aguilera. Although, that and their long blonde hair, is where the similarity stops. This rhythmic, gutsy type of song suited her more and certainly pleased the crowd who were now clapping in time.

Now that both performers had eased into their show and relaxed even more, it was perfect timing for the popular track by Eric Clapton, 'Nobody Knows You'. Although Marie proved to be adaptable in style, the folksy genre didn't seem to test her voice enough. She carries them off brilliantly, but when you hear how she attacks the blues/jazz pieces, you can't help but feel that this is what she was born to sing. Her face alone gives you that impression.

-Natasha Cantwell

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