Niamh Parsons & The Loose Connections

Niamh (pronounced Neeve) Parsons has the type of voice with which very few singers have been blessed, and she's ranked by lovers of Celtic music with vocal legends like Sandy Denny and Dolores Keane. According to Bob Watson of Folk Roots, "Niamh Parsons is a wonderful Irish songstress who can turn her hand (or voice, rather) to almost anything, and stop you in your tracks . . ."

Niamh sings with two different bands: The Loose Connections and Arcady. The drastic difference in musical styles between these bands demonstrates Niamh's vocal versatility. She is joined in The Loose Connections by husband Dee Moore, songwriter, musical arranger and bassist. He says that meeting Niamh changed the way he thinks about music, and he has found the perfect vehicle to inspire and sing his songs. Ian Green of Greentax Records in Scotland agreed with Moore and offered the couple a record deal the first time he saw them perform.

Niamh and Dee will be accompanied by two of Ireland's best young musicians: Colin Reid on guitar, and David Munnelly on keyboard and button box.

The Loose Connections have the ability to perform fully acoustic traditional sets or energized, electrified Celtic soul, but it's on the traditional numbers that Parsons shines brightest. Parsons may not have the moves of a Madonna, but she sings like an angel, or some other departed spirit.