Live Review: Glen Hansard Secret Gig

Faded (and dilapidated) Georgian grandeur was the choice of venue for Glen Hansard’s secret gig in Dublin city centre last night.
Different rooms (and even the staircase) provided settings for each performance as the audience was shepherded around 13 Nth Great George’s Street for a unique evening of musical entertainment.
Anderson opened proceedings with a set of gems from his excellent debut album Patterns, the magic of his ethereal voice heightened by the ghostly surroundings. Time seemed to stand still during songs like ‘History’ and ‘Patterns’ such was their power.
He was followed by wonderful duo Ye Vagabonds who charmed with a stunning take on trad number ‘Barbara Allen’ in addition to a smattering of original fare.
Then to the main room where Glen and band awaited to enchant with a spellbinding set culled primarily from latest outing Didn’t He Ramble. Mr Hansard was in fine fettle introducing several numbers with humourous backstories, chatting to the audience throughout and even paying tribute to his choice of venue on ‘My Little Ruin’.
Elsewhere ‘Wedding Ring’ induced a mass singalong, the string section sparkled on ‘Winning Streak’ and Glen showcased his piano prowess on ‘McCormack’s Wall’.
Surprise guest Roddy Doyle read a selection of his writing, including some wry and hilarious observations on Electric Picnic, Syria and Pig-gate before the night was brought to a close with a sprinkling of bewitching Jason Molina covers, a tribute to birthday boy Bruce Springsteen and a rousing ‘Parting Glass’.