Dòchas

Dochas is a Celtic band of five very attractive lasses from a wide selection of origins such as Skye, North Uist and Shetland. What they all have in common is an amazing talent. The versatility of the band members to go from Highland Pipes to whistle and on to oboe, or from clarsach to keyboards and still retain the high quality of musicianship is quite amazing. This group is special. Very, very special. The lead singer, Julie Fowlis , has everything. She has a voice that compares with the greats in Celtic music like Karen Matheson, Mary-Ann Kennedy, Maggie MacDonald, Maggie MacInnes, etc. Quite different from any of these, but at least equal to them in vocal stature. Not only that, but she can pick up the pipes, oboe or whistle and still reach the same high standard. Kathleen Boyle on accordion/guitar/keyboards, Carol-Anne MacKay on pipes/accordion/whistle, Eilidh MacLeod on clarsach and Jenna Reid on fiddle/piano share the same high level of ability. Added to that was the 'honorary girl member for the night', Martin O'Neill on bodhran and this man would grace any band with his playing. Not only can 'Dochas' play and sing well but they can put together arrangements that are so beautifully crafted. No matter what band one listens to live and no matter how big their name, there is always a moment when you think that one item could have been arranged a bit better. Well, 'Dochas' at Farr were the exception for me. It was flawless. The band members are young and, if they can stay together, they are going to be very big. Time will hone their on-stage skills for humour and audience communication. When that happens, there will be no stopping them.