| | Helen Webby & Davy Stuart
Take the Principal harp from the Christchurch Symphony, add the multi-instrumental talents of one of New Zealand’s top Celtic musicians and you have a glorious instrumental combination, drawing the main part of their repertoire from the traditional music of Ireland and Scotland, combined with music written for them by New Zealand composers
In performance they feature a gut-strung 34 string Neo-Irish lever harp made by Helen's brother Kim Webby and a steel-strung 6 string guitar and 10 string cittern made by Davy. They have been playing as a duo since 2001 at concerts, events and festivals all over NZ and are equally at home in a lounge or a Concert hall. In 2008 they toured for Chamber Music NZ, performing a crossover programme of traditional Celtic music with works written for them by NZ composers Gareth Farr and Chris Cree-Brown.
They released a very successful recording “The Peacock’s Dance - Celtic music for harp and guitar” at the end of 2001 and have now released "The Golden Strand", their much anticipated second CD. In 2011 Helen and Davy are very excited to be performing at the Australian National Folk Music Festival in Canberra.
CD review: The Golden Strand, March 2010 NZ Harp Society Journal
This CD is a gem. These two musicians have worked together for years and it shows. The synthesis of their sounds and styles is wonderful to hear.
One of the most beguiling effects in music is when the timbres of two instruments weave together until they almost can't be distinguished from one another -- and this is one of my favourite things about this album. The guitar and the harp come together beautifully in these lovely celtic tunes, some familiar, and some less so. There is a joyous sense of originality even in the well known melodies, with crisp and lively ornamentation and lilting phrases.
Any lover of Celtic music will enjoy many listenings to this delightful CD. -- Carolyn Mills, New Zealand Symphony
Ed's note: 'The beautiful crystal clear sound of harp (made by Kim Webby) and guitar (made by Davy Stuart) was recorded and produced by Davy, with a tune or two written by Davy and fellow Kiwi musicians.
This album turned into the backing music for our summer holidays... with the waves crashing outside and children racing around -- a calming salve in these mad times -- very easy to have on all day repeat! -- Anna Dunwoodie, Editor New Zealand Harp Society Journal.
Concert review: The Great Hall, Arts Centre of Christchurch, April 2.
"The range of colour and expression that this combination of instruments produced took me quite by surprise. A sound that threatened to be distinctly two-dimensional blossomed into a strong and fully rounded performance.
I assume Irish harp purists would not approve of the addition of a modern guitar accompaniment, but in Davy Stuart's careful hands it added depth without overwhelming the harp itself.
The names of the composers and their compositions are themselves close to poetry: who could resist the charms of Lady Athenry's Planxty by blind Turlough O"Carolan, or Contempt for Fiddlers by Rory Dall Morrison?
And so we heard lively reels with memorable melodies and slow elusive laments, all tinged with that beautiful Irish melancholy. In less skilful hands this music would not have been half so persuasive, but crisply articulated and with generally brisk speeds, Helen Webby provided compelling listening. With able, though gentle, support from the guitar, here was a concert guaranteed to put a spring in your step for the rest of the day."
Reviewed by Timothy Jones, The Press.
“ The pair weave their way through a selection of airs and dances with relaxed skill and taste. Beautifully arranged and paced, with delicate interplay between the musicians, a treat for the ears”.
NZ Musician, Apr/May 2002
“The album is extremely listenable as a work of beautiful cooperative playing”.
- Sing Out! USA
Helen Webby & Davy Stuart at the Mayfair
Aug 18 2003 reviewed by Andrew Bicknell
I have just arrived home after attending one of the most special concerts I have seen in a long while, being "Celtic Music for Harp & Guitar", featuring Helen Webby and Davy Stuart, opening with a bracket of "hits" from 1650-1750. Davy’s dry humour prevailed throughout the evening, and at one stage offering an interpretation for anyone who couldn’t understand him. Helen’s bright personality shone through, and together with their virtuosity they entertained all through a thoroughly wonderful performance.
They performed with instruments that had a close connection – Davy having only 4 days previously just completed the guitar he was using, and also used one of his own hand crafted bouzoukis. Helen had the loan of a harp made by her brother, Kim Webby of Whangarei. All instruments produced lovely tones, equally matched by Helen and Davy’s tight mastery of their respective instruments.
It takes a special combination of person, talent, and on the spot ability to entertain when presenting tunes, and Helen and Davy were right there. And as for the Catholic Nun who accepted a conditional kiss from a taxi driver....
Often we overlook the wealth of talent that we have in this country. Helen and Davy are fine examples of the high standard of talent that exists in NZ – a class where the performers draw upon all of their talents, stepping outside of performance and into the realm of entertainment. They deserve a far wider audience, having filled the ambience of the Mayfair Cafe with wonderful music.
Helen and Davy are featured international guests for the Australian National Folk Festival 2004 in Canberra. |
